Duke Asidere was born in Lagos and is one of Nigeria’s leading contemporary artists. He studied fine art at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and graduated with a first class in painting (1988). He also earned a Masters in fine art from the same institution (1990). From 1990 to 1995, Asidere lectured in painting, drawing and art history at the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi. In 2004, he took to photography under Don Barber’s tutelage. Since then, he has engaged with cameras to search for inspiration, themes and accidents to imbibe in his creative pursuits. He has participated in several solo and group exhibitions, both locally and internationally.

Duke Asidere spent six weeks at K-AiR in 2022. During his residency, he explored the possibilities of figurative, landscape and abstract paintings centered around his daily encounters in Ibadan. Speaking about his experience at K-AiR, Asidere says: “My stay at K-AiR has been very intensive and everyday has been a standout moment for me. I enjoy the space and I love the architecture in Ibadan. The residency opportunity has allowed me to stretch myself beyond my studio space in Lagos.”