09/07/2025
Ugochukwu Durueke
Manchester United Kingdom
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Residency: Scribus 08
28 March – 9 May 2013
Through his poetry, article writing, and short stories, Ugochukwu Durueke (b. Nigeria) concerns himself with social issues, and the need for a change of attitude in order to bring about a safer, more nurturing and more prosperous world. He was born in Nigeria, but emigrated to Jamaica in the 1990s, a life change which has allowed him to see his current environment both as an adopted local, and as an outsider. He is both critical about what he observes, and joyful about the opportunities his observations product, two opposing sides of the same basic position. His works embrace both aspects of this.
Although his writing is often political in nature, he advocates a gentle approach to change. In his poem A Woman’s Desire, published in Jamaican national newspaper The Gleaner, 18 March 2012, he suggests that simply paying a compliment, showing a modicum of gratitude towards someone who helps you can make a difference to the world.
He continues with this theme in his poem My Sunrise, published in The Gleaner, 11 December 2011, which outlines a manifesto for hope and positivity for the future, based on a faith in human endeavour. Durueke is a much published writer in Jamaica. He has had many of his poems published in the media as well as publishing an anthology of poetry entitled The Agony of Nature. He has also won several awards including “Winner of the Best Book Review” in the National Reading Competition 2012, and “Poem of Week” award from The Gleaner newspaper.
Durueke was interviewed by fellow artist in residency Kristan Saloky during their stay at ArtFunkl. Click on the thumbnail below to view Saloky's film.
