Nigerian-born British artist and scientist known for pioneering 3D technology in the 1990s
From engineering to world-renowned art practice to pioneering heritage technology. First artist to employ 3D scanning for cultural repatriation (1998) through the innovative Unmasking series—collaborating with Nobel Laureate Anton Zeilinger on quantum concepts (2001). Following a period serving in central government (2017-2024), founded UQUANTUM GROUP in 2024 to bring revolutionary quantum governance frameworks to organizations worldwide.
From Strathclyde to Berlin to documenta X. From Brazil to Yokohama to Guggenheim. From central government to UQUANTUM. Bearing witness to history while creating new pathways.
Chemical Engineering at Strathclyde University. Family returns to Nigeria (1981), but I remain in Scotland to continue studies. First photography experiments while studying process engineering. Graduation BSc Chemical & Process Engineering (1985)—foundation for integrating technical and artistic thinking.
Transition from engineering to art practice. Engaging with Scottish and British art scenes. Early exploration of identity, migration, and belonging. Developing visual language and photography practice that would define career trajectory.
Self-Portrait, Berlin c.1992 - Early photographic work exploring identity and double exposure techniques
Monumental Berlin moments. Two pivotal visits—first arriving at Tegel Airport on the day the Berlin Wall fell (November 9, 1989), and returning on the day of German reunification (October 3, 1990). Major artistic transition from black & white to colour photography and moving image beginning 1994—a decisive break marking new explorations in chromatic relationships, spatial dynamics, and cultural identity. documenta X participation (1997). Major exhibitions: Guggenheim, Yokohama Triennale, Tate Britain (2000). Building international reputation. Collaboration with Nobel Laureate Anton Zeilinger on quantum concepts (2001).
Transformation series (1994-2001) - Transition to color: vibrant chromatic explorations marking departure from B&W practice
World's first use of 3D scanning for cultural repatriation (1998). Pioneering Unmasking series innovated with early 3D technology in the 1990s. Working with museums on contested collections. Developing digital heritage methodologies that would influence the field for decades. Unmasking Part 2 exhibited at ArtPace San Antonio (2000), featuring interactive 3D scanning installations.
Unmasking Part 2 installation at ArtPace San Antonio (2000) - Interactive 3D scanning and digital repatriation work
Unmasking Part 3: Quantum exhibited at Yokohama Triennale 2001. Collaboration with Nobel Laureate Anton Zeilinger exploring quantum entanglement principles in cultural heritage contexts. Major international exhibitions including participation in Mostra Africana de Arte Contemporânea, São Paulo (2000). Continued development of quantum governance frameworks applied to heritage technology and institutional transformation.
Unmasking Part 3: Quantum, Yokohama Triennale 2001 - Quantum entanglement visualization with Anton Zeilinger collaboration
Installation view of the UNMASKING 3- Release Point #1, Yokohama, Japan. Photographer: Taeko Nagamachi - Exhibition installation at the 2001 Yokohama Triennale, Japan. The artist of Unmasking 3 at the Yokohama Triennial in 2001
Central government service (2017-2024). Contributing to major programme deliveries including UK EU exit and global COVID-19 pandemic response. Leading digital transformation at Government Digital Service (GDS). Building and leading the Consulting Technical Architect team—helping government departments navigate complex technical challenges.
Founded UQUANTUM GROUP (2024). Community Interest Company bringing quantum governance frameworks to cultural institutions, museums, and organizations worldwide. Synthesizing four decades of engineering, art, heritage technology, and government experience into revolutionary organizational transformation models. The UQUANTUM governance model forms the conceptual basis for Unmasking 4—extending quantum principles into institutional practice.
UQUANTUM Governance Model (2024) - Quantum principles applied to organizational transformation; forms basis for Unmasking 4 framework
Government work described in accordance with UK Civil Service Code and Official Secrets Act 1989. Consulting Technical Architect team image © Crown Copyright, used under Open Government Licence v3.0
Community Interest Company developing quantum governance frameworks for cultural institutions worldwide. Operating through uquantum.uk and uquantum-cic.org platforms.
Founded 2024Queen Mother Head 3D digitization project. Dialogue with National Museums Liverpool and FACT.
In DialogueGlasgow School of Art lectures on quantum creativity and STEAM approaches. Published research on digital heritage.
OngoingSubstantial selection of work maintained at Thomas Erben Gallery, New York. For inquiries about available works, exhibitions, or commissions, visit thomaserben.com
Interested in quantum governance frameworks, heritage technology partnerships, or interdisciplinary collaboration? I welcome conversations with cultural institutions, museums, government agencies, and research organizations.