As Fayemi epitomizes mothers

Dr. Fayemi, a trained clinical pathologist, “aspires to exceed the traditional possibilities of photography.” The Nigerian New-York-based artist originally started by taking documentary style pictures in Sub-Saharan Africa in black and white, but he recently began altering some of his works with computer software by selectively adding colour to black and white images. This allows […]

Dr. Fayemi, a trained clinical pathologist, “aspires to exceed the traditional possibilities of photography.” The Nigerian New-York-based artist originally started by taking documentary style pictures in Sub-Saharan Africa in black and white, but he recently began altering some of his works with computer software by selectively adding colour to black and white images. This allows him highlight or hide certain aspects of the pictures.

These pieces tell so many stories at the same time. Asides from the fact that they express the different sides to a mother right from when she has to care for and nurture her younger siblings before she begins to have has, they also reveal the various exploits of photography and art itself. The artist talked about the many faces of a mother and motherhood as represented his photographs and other arts pieces.

Describing his style and recent trend at the exhibition which focuses on motherhood in Africa, the New York based artist said, “This exhibition portrays images of mothers and children in a variety of African life’s space and social interaction.  My interpretation of ‘mother’ in this context is expansive and includes not only biological mothers but also all women who nurture children. My recent works, consisting mainly of fine art digital paintings, have progressed and evolved to mixed media collages using primarily fabrics and less so acrylic paint.”

According to the artist while speaking on the concept of mother, “The Yoruba say “Iya ni wura”, meaning mother is a jewel, specifically, golden, epitomizing the virtues and the central and pivotal role of mothers, and generally, women in African societies. Mothers nurture, not only their own children but also the entire community.  African mothers have been described as workhorse, primary cog in the wheel of human production, the swinging hips on which humanity rests, African beacon, wisdom of the home and the makers of humans.”

He added that, “My recent work, consisting mainly of fine art digital painting, has progressed and evolved to mixed media collage using primarily fabrics and less so acrylic paint.  I draw inspiration from the myriad texture, patterns and the suffusion of colors characteristic of African clothing.  These images are treated with passion and respect taking into consideration the traditional milieu from where the subjects are drawn.  Each finished work in unique in its content, emotional intensity, composition and expressiveness.”

Guests like Ngozi Ihekwoba who were at the exhibition and had seen his previous exhibition held in Nigeria last year, said, “His new works have transcended the realm they were at when he last exhibited some of his photography. I especially like the way he has captured the different perceptions of motherhood from across the African continent. Motherhood in Africa is a story that can never be told exhaustively. There will always be something new about it and Dr. Fayemi has give us that something new this time.

Also the artist has creatively expressed himself in photography just as aptly as any painter would use his paint brushes and canvass or any other work surface or tool.”

First time viewer of the artist’s pieces, Jide Akinola was especially taken in by the digigraphics /imaging of the works as he described them. “I am in awe of the computer effects the artist has brought into these displays which were originally raw photographs. It is interesting to see the progress of photography in present times. It is a challenge for artists, if photography is beginning to get as good as strokes of paint and brushes.”

The exhibition runs until the 2nd of October.