FOUNDER’S STORY
A Life Committed to African Creativity
Chike Joseph Nwagbogu
Founder, Nimbus Art Galleries | Cultural Entrepreneur | Advocate for African Creativity
Chike Joseph Nwagbogu is a Lagos-born curator, collector, and cultural entrepreneur whose work has shaped the evolution of contemporary African art for more than two decades. Known for his deep appreciation of African heritage and his belief in art as a spiritual and cultural force, Chike has dedicated his life to creating spaces that elevate African voices and connect them with the world.
The Early Years: Building Foundations for Nigeria’s Art Economy
Long before Nimbus became the gallery it is today, Chike played a role in one of Nigeria’s earliest organised art auction initiatives in 1999—a groundbreaking moment that helped lay the foundation for the modern Nigerian art market.
This early involvement showed what would become a recurring theme in his life:
pioneering platforms where African creativity can be seen, valued, and preserved.
The Rebirth of Nimbus — 4 September 2011
Nimbus Galleries officially reopened to the public on September 4, 2011, at the iconic Bogobiri House in Ikoyi. The relaunch, marked by the exhibition Metanoia, signified the rebirth of one of Lagos’s enduring cultural spaces.
The reopening brought new energy into the Lagos art scene, positioning Nimbus as a gallery dedicated to authenticity, storytelling, and cultural excellence.
Under Chike’s leadership, Nimbus evolved from a modest creative enclave into a respected institution—recognized by cultural researchers, art journalists, and collectors across Africa and beyond.
The Vision That Sparked Nimbus
Long before Nimbus became a recognized name in Lagos’s art scene, Chike understood the need for a gallery that gave African artists a true platform—one rooted in authenticity, dignity, and global relevance.
He envisioned a place where:
1-African artists could tell their stories without distortion
2-Collectors could find meaningful, culturally rooted work
3-Art lovers could explore Africa’s past, present, and unfolding future
4-Creativity and community could exist side by side
This vision came to life with the re-opening of Nimbus in 2011, marking a new era for a space that had already been part of Nigeria’s early creative movement.
A Cross-Continental Cultural Bridge
Chike’s influence extends beyond Lagos. He is also a key creative force behind Pure Lagos African Art Gallery & Boutique in Norfolk, Virginia (USA). This space blends art, community healing, and cultural incubation—offering a platform for African artists while empowering small creators, diaspora communities, and cultural practitioners.
Through Nimbus in Lagos and Pure Lagos in the United States, Chike has become a bridge between two worlds:
the heartbeat of African cultural expression and its global audience.
Championing the Rise of African Art
Nwagbogu has spoken publicly about the global shift toward African creativity, noting the world’s growing hunger for authentic African narratives and the “spiritual power” carried in the continent’s art.
His galleries—Nimbus and Pure Lagos—have helped fuel that momentum by:
Showcasing emerging and established African artists
Hosting exhibitions, workshops, and cultural conversations
Supporting artists with visibility, guidance, and structured opportunities
Providing collectors with meaningful, culturally grounded work
Through his work, Chike has contributed to the recognition of Lagos as one of the world’s rising art capitals.
