This edition serves as a tribute to the extraordinary, chess-inspired artworks contributed by remarkable artists from diverse backgrounds, showcasing their creativity and celebrating the profound connection between art and the timeless game of chess.
Carina D. Nebula, our energetic Director of Global Arts, introduced the integration of artistic practice into the chess scene with the illuminating slogan, “Chess is Art.” This sparked a profound question: how are these seemingly distinct entities connected, and on what grounds could chess be considered art? Over time, it has become evident that art is a flavor that enriches everything—even the game of chess. As Serah Zse, an American artist and professor of visual arts, aptly stated, “Art is sustenance.” This succinct three-word definition captures the essence of art’s value, much like Stephen King’s reflection, “Life isn’t a support system for art. It’s the other way around.”
As a global organization, The Gift of Chess carries a sacred mandate: to use the simplicity of the chess game to ignite massive ripple effects, inspire hope, and drive transformative change across every community we touch. It fills us with delight to witness how, through the simple act of chess, lives have been reconnected to purpose and hope. Children have been awakened to their innate genius, problem-solving skills have been cultivated, and strategic thinking has become a lifestyle for many recipients of our unique chess sets.
Living in consumptive contentment is not my purpose. I feel called towards something greater. By doing things that fulfill us, we are able to make a bigger impact on the planet and on the people around us. Without creating and sharing our gifts with the world, we are missing something fundamentally. Art is the aligned resonant truth. Carina Nebula
Chess Is Art
We were amazed by the incredible first batch of submissions received within just weeks of our call for artistic entries. Each piece passionately captures the raw emotions sparked when two powerful elements collide on a shared plane. The artworks not only took unique directions and interpretations but also showcased the deep artistic connection to chess. Take a look:
Perfect Agbahovbe exquisitely capture the intention of this art in the accompanied poem, however this particular verse is the heatbeat of the entire poem. Excerpt: The next move I make will set the tone I just hope it's something that feels so whole The next move you make sets the tone Hope it's something that makes you feel whole
Sunday Ogundiran is a self taught multi disciplinary Artist who recognized his gift, potential and pursued it with strength and passion. He describes this brilliant digital art: Pushing myself to be the creativeArt is the visible thought, representation of idea, creativity of an individual. This same principal is applicable to the game of chess. Chess requires skills, creativity to be able to secure a win. By channelling ones innermost thought, idea, uniqueness, imagination to existence on a chess board.
Jason Cart is a self-taught artist whose journey in pencil drawing and tattooing reflects resilience and a love for creativity. His art is rooted in overcoming challenges, and he embraces every struggle as a stepping stone. Passionate about his craft, Jason is open to exploring new media and collaborative opportunities.
"King in Disguise" (2024): This graphite-on-paper piece depicts a king disguised as a pawn, symbolizing the transformative potential of humility and strategy within the game of chess. The artwork challenges perceptions of power and identity.
The King on the Board (2024): Another graphite-on-paper piece, this artwork presents a king firmly positioned on the chessboard, embodying authority and foresight in the strategic game.
The Dream is a charcoal and graphite artwork symbolizing a young boy's journey, drawing parallels to the pawn in chess—small yet pivotal in life's game. It embodies children's hope to achieve greatness, reminding us that even presidents were once children. The piece advocates preserving innocence and standing against child abuse to protect their potential.
Art 2: The Future is a stunning charcoal and graphite artwork showing a child gazing into a mirror, seeing her aspirations reflected as a queen—the most powerful chess piece. With closed eyes, her dreams and
We are especially thrilled to showcase the artwork of Naomi Wanjugu, an 11-year-old prodigy from Kenya whose raw talent and brilliant creativity leave us in awe. Her impressive contributions to this mission are a testament to the power of youthful imagination. Naomi’s work not only inspires us but also reinforces the belief that everyone, regardless of age, has a unique role to play in driving this powerful vision forward. We hope her art inspires you just as much as it inspires us.
Radhiya Abdulhakeem is an 18-year-old Spoken Word Poet from Borno state Maiduguri, who is a 200 level student studying medicine and surgery in university of Maidugri Borno state. Radhiya is AYGF youth Ambassador and multi award winning poet. She dedicates “The Gambit” to the Chess Master, Tunde Onakoya.
Benjamin Bulus’ two evocative artworks convey profound narratives through their intricate imagery and symbolism.
The first piece portrays a solitary figure shrouded in shadows, clutching a crown that radiates an almost palpable energy. The enveloping darkness reflects the formidable challenges and obstacles encountered on the path to greatness. Yet, the crown, held aloft, serves as a beacon of hope and ambition, glimmering with the promise of future triumph. This powerful juxtaposition of struggle and aspiration speaks to the resilience required to overcome adversity.
In the second artwork, two figures are captured in an intense moment of focus, seated across a chess table that transforms into a battlefield of strategy and intellect. Each piece on the board symbolizes a pivotal step toward the throne, embodying the calculated moves necessary for achieving greatness. The intricate details of the chess pieces and the interplay of light and shadow across the board illustrate the complexity of their journey, with the flickering shadows hinting at the trials that lie ahead.
Art serves as a profound medium of expression, and this dystopian-inspired piece springs from a boundless imagination. In African folklore, the tortoise often symbolizes wisdom, occupying a revered place in tales of intellect and cunning. This artwork uniquely reimagines that symbolism with a flying turtle, representing the boundless and progressive nature of wisdom. It suggests that the game of chess, much like the tortoise’s journey, is carried forward by intelligence, strategy, and an endless pursuit of mastery.
Although not necessarily chess inspired artworks we appreciate the hardwork invested in the creation of these amazing pieces by Jaece Agu. It’s apparent that Jaece is a master of his craft and expert in pouring his imagination and experiences on canvas. Such a delight to see!
Vincent van Gogh once said, “Art is to console those who are broken by life.” This statement resonates deeply with our mission, as we recognize the unparalleled impact of art on humanity, especially its power to heal. Through soulful music, heartwarming artworks, poignant poetry, timeless paintings, and breathtaking sculptures, art has continuously demonstrated its ability to transform lives. Pierre Lemarquis, in his book Art That Heals, scientifically validated this by stating, “Seeing or making art can play a crucial role in healing our bodies and minds.”
Beyond these boundaries, we envision a world where chess and art are harmonized to serve a singular purpose: making a lasting, positive impact. Together, these two forces can shape a future where creativity and strategy drive global transformation.
In conclusion, the purpose of this edition is to celebrate the extraordinary, chess-inspired artworks submitted by incredible artists from diverse backgrounds. It is an opportunity to savor the depth of creativity, the sense of purpose, and the intentionality embedded in each piece. This marks a global introduction to how we lead transformative change from two powerful fronts—art and chess. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the artists whose works we are privileged to share. Thank you for trusting us with your creations and for believing in our mission to inspire generations of leaders through this endeavor.
Submit Your Artworks
Every individual possesses a unique gift to make a difference. Art, in its various forms, serves as a powerful balm for a hurting world, bringing solace and inspiration to those in need.
The Gift of Chess seeks talented artists like you to create masterpieces that harness the strategic beauty of chess as a backdrop for your art. By combining chess and art, we can unleash a transformative force for healing and positivity.
Global Call to Artists:
Take heed to remember these words: “Our gifts are not our own.”
Artists have a special responsibility in the world. Where there is art, there is hope.
Chess and art teach the same life lessons: focus, discipline, and consequences—creating a space for creative freedom to see something through all the way to the end and win.
This is our platform for artists to showcase their talents globally. We create opportunities for dreamers to reach their fullest potential, particularly the children.
We invite you to submit your chess-themed art of any medium via the form below:
Did you know that former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik launched a chess program aimed at children in 2010? This initiative aimed to introduce chess to schools in developing countries, including several in Africa, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills among young learners.
The Deep Blue vs. Kasparov Showdown
Did you know that in 1997, world champion Garry Kasparov faced off against IBM's Deep Blue in a groundbreaking match? Deep Blue's victory in the second game shocked the chess world and marked a significant moment in the intersection of technology and chess, showcasing the growing power of artificial intelligence.
The Match of the Century
Did you know that in 1972, the World Chess Championship between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky captivated the world? Their match in Reykjavik not only marked a Cold War clash but also elevated chess to a mainstream phenomenon, showcasing Fischer's incredible talent and innovative strategies that ultimately led to his victory.
The Gift of Chess’ chess set is a unique, custom-made chess set where the pieces are designed and manufactured in the USA. By reimagining the King's crown as a gift, this chess set captures the essence of The Global Gift of Chess project to use chess as a gift to expand opportunities to millions of people across the world.
By purchasing The Gift of Chess, a chess set, not only are you bringing the gift of chess into your community, you are helping us reach our goal of donating 1,000,000 chess sets globally by 2030.
PS: We’ll love to connect with you on all social media; give us a follow-up @thegiftofchess across all social media.
