Zina Saro-Wiwa, born in 1976 in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, is a Brooklyn-based artist known for her diverse contributions to video art, filmmaking, and other artistic endeavors. Her journey from being a BBC journalist to a Guggenheim Fellow in Fine Art reflects her commitment to exploring themes like environmentalism, indigeneity, and power dynamics. In this overview, we’ll delve into key aspects of her life, career, and the profound impact of her artistic practice.
Saro-Wiwa’s Personal Stats
| Full Name | Zina Saro-Wiwa |
| Date of Birth | 1976 |
| Birthplace | Port Harcourt, Nigeria |
| Parents | Ken Saro-Wiwa (father), Maria Saro-Wiwa (mother) |
| Occupation | Artist, Filmmaker, Video Artist |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Citizenship | Nigerian, British |
| Alma Mater | University of Bristol |
Early Life And Education
Zina Saro-Wiwa, daughter of the renowned Nigerian environmentalist and activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, was born in Port Harcourt. Her upbringing in the UK, including attending Roedean private girls’ school in Sussex and studying economic and social history at the University of Bristol, laid the foundation for her diverse interests. Tragically, her father was executed in 1995, influencing her perspective on activism and shaping her artistic journey.
Television And Radio Career
Starting as a BBC reporter, Saro-Wiwa’s freelance career spanned BBC Radio 4, Radio 3, World Service Radio, and BBC2. Her notable contributions included presenting series like “A Samba For Saro-Wiwa” and “Water Works.” From 2004 to 2008, she was a presenter on BBC Two’s “The Culture Show,” showcasing her versatility and storytelling skills.
Film Career
Saro-Wiwa transitioned to filmmaking with the documentary short “Bossa: The New Wave” in 2002. Notable films like “This Is My Africa” (2008/9) and “The Deliverance of Comfort” (2010) reflect her exploration of African culture and the alt-Nollywood genre. Her work received recognition, with “Transition” (2012) becoming the most-watched video upon its release in The New York Times.
Video Art
Saro-Wiwa’s video art, initiated in 2010 with the exhibition “Sharon Stone in Abuja,” explores emotional landscapes and cultural conventions. “Mourning Class: Nollywood” (2010) and “Sarogua Mourning” (2011) showcase her innovative approach, challenging traditional mourning practices. Her ongoing project, “Eaten by the Heart,” commissioned by The Menil Collection, delves into love performances and heartbreak among Africans and African Diasporans.
Multidisciplinary Practice
Zina Saro-Wiwa’s art is not confined to a single medium; she employs video, photography, sound, distillation, food, performance lectures, and institution-building to convey stories and share research findings. Her multidisciplinary approach reflects a holistic map of themes rooted in her focus on the Niger Delta, where she was born.
Global Recognition And Impact
Saro-Wiwa’s contributions have gained global recognition. As a Guggenheim Fellow, she challenges traditional concepts of environmentalism, addressing not only ecological concerns but also emotional landscapes and spiritual ecosystems. Her lectures and exhibitions at prestigious institutions worldwide, including Tate Modern, Guggenheim Bilbao, and Times Square, attest to the impact of her work.
