Drawing inspiration from nsibidi, an indigenous ideographic script of southeastern Nigeria, his art functions as a visual language that bridges the gap between historical tradition and modern abstraction, inviting viewers to engage in a silent dialogue with the forms and symbols he creates.

His work explores the human condition—touching on themes of cultural memory, identity, and the shared human experience. Over a career spanning more than three decades, his work has evolved from the canvas to immersive public installations, including monumental sculptures and mosaics.

Ekpuk is a recipient of the 2025 Margaret Herz Demant African Art Award from Detroit Institute of Art for his contribution to Contemporary African art. His artworks are held in prominent public and private collections worldwide, including the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, The Newark Museum of Art, The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, The World Bank, Washington, D.C., Hood Museum of Art, Krannert Art Museum, United States Embassy (Art in Embassies Program), Bank ABC The Kingdom of Bahrain, Kiran Nader Museum, New Delhi, Soho House Art Collection.

His work has been featured in international exhibitions such as the Dak’Art Biennale in Senegal, the Havana Biennial, the Johannesburg Biennial, and the Guangzhou Triennial, as well as at institutions including the Institut du Monde Arabe (Paris), the Fowler Museum (Los Angeles), New Museum (New York) and the Museum of Arts and Design (New York).