Do you choose your art form, or does the form choose you?

I didn’t have a choice for an art form from the onset, I generally loved art before I began to streamline my interests. I started with graphics design and photography, now I am experimenting in performance and multimedia art. I chose the former before the latter grew on me. So, I see it both ways because my art evolved with time and each project determines the form it will take and how best I want to pass the message across.

Where does the inspiration come from? What is your favorite media?

I am inspired by the energy present in my immediate environment. I think this has to do with growing up in a bustling city like Lagos, so maybe it will be different somewhere else. I am also inspired by some great works of artists and activists, past and present. They keep me going. I don’t have a favorite media in art but my educational background helped me focus on graphics and photography. I love photography as a medium because of the its hidden mysteries, now I love to express myself in various media.

To what extent has your African background and all the restrictions influenced your art?

The restrictions became a great influence for me in my art practice. It was a time I opened up myself to new possibilities and realities, embracing the time and consciously responding to the need to look inwards, to look closely and explore. As an African the restrictions exposed a lot of societal issues that have been hidden for years and that called for more artists to use their voice and platforms to bring these issues to light. This has influenced me in my recent projects.

What are some of your favorite projects you are proud to have been a part of in your career? 

I am proud of all my projects but my ‘Bus Stop Chronicles’ project is one I find very fascinating. I had to access and take up an aggressive and gendered space to find my voice and create a safe space for myself. It was very inspiring to engage people in the space which doesn’t happen without some struggle. I am very proud of my very recent unpublished projects too.

What do you hope the viewer gets from your work?

I want viewers to understand what my work is about. Although viewers’ reactions may be subjective, I want viewers to have a personal connection with my work and reflect on the interesting mysteries of our existence.

How has your everyday life as an artist changed during pandemics?

At the beginning of the lock down I had to work from home, attend meetings virtually and stay connected with the art community. Nothing really changed much in my everyday life apart from social distancing in public, which is gradually changing now too. Also the pandemic have kept me busy online than ever before.

How do you feel about being involved in an online residency program? How important is it to stay connected with the international art community?

At first the idea of an online residency looked vague to me because I felt it would make more sense being present, but then I realized that there are other ways to be present without ‘being present’. Thankfully I’m enjoying the virtual space that also gives an opportunity to work, to be heard, network, and to stay connected with the art community.

What are your thoughts about the theme ‘artist on standby’? Tell us a bit more about your project…

The theme ‘artist on standby’ gives me a feeling of ‘being at alert’. It is like a time ticking, while you wait. But then, who do you do when you’re on standby and waiting for the next step? My project ‘I May Get into Your Head’ is a multimedia project that explores the notion of time in connection to identity, emotions and meditation. I am engaging the popular iron sponge in Nigeria as a metaphor to matters of life and wellbeing.  Although this material is associated with aggression, its textures are inviting and earthy. I love to explore textures as an element in my work and it is fascinating how adding textural layers to a work can dramatically transform it. This I am doing to interrogate this material through the psychic context. The global pandemic was an opportunity for me to do a lot of Mental time-travel, enjoying the little things, and embracing the change of pace. As the world gradually opens up the uncertainty begins to give way for balance and calm, this is what this metaphoric material represents to me.

What do you want to achieve before things return to normal?

Interestingly it is almost normal from my end, so I will just keep working and enjoy each day as it comes.

Any future plans/projects?

Yes, I’ll continue my projects. I plan to collaborate with other artists, and hopefully have a solo exhibition and publications. I also plan to travel more for research-based projects and other residencies.