Victor Ekpuk's (1964- ) works are an exploration of the ancient art of literacy embedded in the different cultures and religions of his home country, Nigeria. The beautiful iconic-like pieces on Quranic boards take their inspiration from the Islamic Northern Nigeria. Victor employs nsibidi ideograms (an age old art of writing and mystical symbols from southeastern Nigeria), his own invented symbols, and stylized forms from traditional African art to develop a sensitive, unique way of using the ancient to express the contemporary. In Fisherman’s Story the bones are symbols for death and decay. Due to the pollution by multinational oil companies in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, fishermen, once returning from a catch with stories of plenty, now come home nearly empty handed with tales of woe. The bones also refer to the social decay in Nigeria at the time this piece was painted. Peace Offering with its dark blue abstract arms, reminiscent of those by Jacob Lawrence, offering up a white dove speaks to all cultures. The textures, curvilinear patterns and colors of Victor's compositions all enrich the visual experience.