Jenn Nkiru
Jenn Nkiru is a British-Nigerian director and artist known for her visually striking and politically charged films that explore themes of Black identity, culture, and spirituality. Her work blends surreal imagery with historical and cultural narratives, gaining recognition through projects like Beyoncé’s Black Is King and her short film REBIRTH IS NECESSARY. Nkiru’s innovative approach has earned her international acclaim, including exhibitions at the Tate Modern and the Venice Biennale.
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Biography
Jenn Nkiru is a British-Nigerian director and artist celebrated for her visionary work that explores themes of Black identity, culture, and spirituality through a blend of surreal imagery and historical references. Her films are known for their vibrant visual style, layered narratives, and deep engagement with African diasporic culture. Nkiru first gained widespread recognition with her short film REBIRTH IS NECESSARY (2017), a visually rich meditation on Blackness and its relationship to time, space, and spirituality. The film won several awards and established her as a key voice in contemporary filmmaking and visual art.Nkiru's directorial work includes collaborations with major artists, most notably her contribution to Beyoncé’s visual album Black Is King (2020), where she helped craft the powerful visual narratives celebrating African heritage. Her distinct approach fuses elements of Afrofuturism, surrealism, and archival footage, creating works that challenge conventional storytelling and offer new perspectives on Black history and culture. Nkiru’s work has been exhibited at prestigious venues such as the Tate Modern and the Venice Biennale, and she continues to push the boundaries of art and film with her innovative exploration of identity, culture, and collective memory.
