In this series called “Lessons on Flying”, Ekene Emeka-Maduka explores fantasy, surrealism, dreams, and imagination, drawing from childhood to adulthood. She references popular fictions like Igbo fables, Alice in Wonderland, and Disney characters, all symbols of imaginative worlds. These references symbolize the transformative power of dreams and flight, linking to the anticipation of travel and exploration.

However, the reality of air travel also brings complexities, including class disparities and emotional layers at airports. Emeka-Maduka aims to depict travel scenes without specific airline or destination markers, creating an ambiance akin to dreams—vague yet familiar. Dreams and airports share fluidity and unpredictability, encompassing both excitement and anxiety. Drawing from her own experiences, Emeka-Maduka highlights issues of race, stereotyping, and authority at borders, challenging idealized notions of justice. While not offering solutions, her artwork prompts reflection on societal issues and the potential for positive change through imagination and dreaming.