I connect with my works differently. I could alter a considered finished work from time to time as long as it’s still in my possession to suit my taste
You use exiting colours in your work. What is the idea behind these colours? And what defines your artistic style?
Well, my colours portray my state of mind, my perception of life, my intention, the vibrant, expressive, fluid and dynamic part of me. I bring energy into my works by using large brush strokes and paint drips to reflect me. I am quite a happy jolly fellow and very attracted to vibrant, optimistic and confident people.
My artistic style tilts towards abstract figurative. I like human forms. I paint intuitively from a subjective perspective, allowing my paint to drip randomly, most times distorting the figures from physical reality.
You focus a lot on the human form. What is it about the human form that inspires?
The human form has always been the main subject of my paintings. My life experiences are incorporated in my art. A good number of my works are abstract events or inanimate terms which I personify by representing them in human form. I find the human form relatable and very malleable in telling stories. It is a very versatile visual metaphor and works well for me.
Is there a particular reason why many of the figures in your paintings are portrayed without clothes? Why are you trying to say with this portrayal?
Often draperies water down my narrative. I am more interested in the human anatomy, I like it unrefined, not vulgar per se. The intense colours and my brush strokes thin out the details in my works.
It interests me when I get feedbacks on my works. That’s the fun of it, there could be criticism, different reactions from the audience, I get to appreciate that thereby helping me build my work better.
Jackson Pollock is quoted as saying: “Painting is selfdiscovery. Every good artist paints what he is.” To what extent would you say this applies to you? How is your painting you?
Like I mentioned earlier about how my colours reflect my personality, I’d agree with that to a large extent. Art is a form of communication, and it is said that your words are you. What you do over time becomes you or rather influences you. I see myself in a good number of my works, technique wise-bold and dynamic.
How did painting start for you?
I have been artistic right from my kindergarten days...I and my siblings did a lot of child scribble, graffiti on my wall at home. Our library books were so beautifully illustrated that we tried to reproduce them. I took to art as my best form of expression, being a rather reserved and quiet child.
Other than painting do you engage in other forms of artistic expression?
Sure I do. I go beyond the aesthetics, I have plunged into installations with found materials, participatory art in public spaces. I am very open and eager to experiment with materials and new methodologies so far as I can express myself effectively.
Was it easy for your parents to accept your career choice?
My parents have always admired and encouraged my artistic works, they have always availed me with professional art materials. Back in my secondary school days at Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene, I was science & technically inclined and on getting into the university, my parents urged me to continue in the science line because there was barely any prolific studio artist back home in Aba who I could look up to.
Also they are my ‘wardrobe managers’ from time to time they avail me with traditional wears for my exhibitions, they insist on my reflecting my cultural background proudly.
Most importantly, I believe in self-expression. One has got to do what he or she feels comfortable with. However, an artist should reflect the times, artist are agents of change and should use art as a strong tool to make positive impacts in the society. Because people easily love to identify with artists, emulate them, as we stand as role models, inspiration to people. We should take advantage of that to mend the society. Political and social issues affect every member of the society, we have common challenges, so using the art to address or reflect it gives it more resonance.