‘Culture and its resonance on society inspire me’
Khenye Gager is half English and half Sierra Leonean. The lead artist at Enigma Art Collective, which she founded with her husband, tells human interest stories through her art works. She speaks about her recent exhibition, ‘Colourism’ and her art skills. How did you get into visual arts? I studied for my foundation diploma […]
Khenye Gager is half English and half Sierra Leonean. The lead artist at Enigma Art Collective, which she founded with her husband, tells human interest stories through her art works. She speaks about her recent exhibition, ‘Colourism’ and her art skills.
How did you get into visual arts?
I studied for my foundation diploma in Art and Design and Bachelors in Textiles Design at the University of the Arts London, Chelsea College of Art and Design from where I graduated with a First Class. Since then I have focused on painting and developing my skills as a fine artist. Asides being a painter I am also an independent curator and currently host and organize pop-up exhibitions using alternative spaces.
How long have you been an artist?
I have always been creative and from a young age I knew I wanted to be an artist. This led me to art school. After getting the required qualifications I moved on to understanding the business in curating at Central St Martin, London. Upon graduating, my husband and I birthed the Enigma Art Collective as a creative platform and an art company. So in effect, I have always been an artist and have paintings from four years old onwards.
Where do you derive your ideas from?
As a fine artist, designer and curator, my ideologies and work experiments are with all media, techniques and concepts. My present practice is inspired and shaped by culture and its resonance on society. My passion for art has been deeply influenced by the state of the human condition and its dialogue with society. This encourages a refreshing and organic approach to my painting technique which is usually very specific to its intent. The visual and conceptual dialogue via the artworks gives me the ability to transform and represent the unrepresented by evoking an emotional interaction with subject matter, making the work a living entity in its own right.
In the process of creating a work, what gives you the most satisfaction?
Each exhibition and process has come with a different sense of satisfaction. For ‘Colourism,’ more than any other project, the experience and creative journey is one that I will never forget. Meeting all the different members of the Albino Foundation and working with some of the most talented minds in Nigeria today gives me the biggest sense of satisfaction. It was not only seeing it all come together but being able to host a show that directly affected lives of people we had come to know and love.
What’s your most prized possession as an artist?
My art work! It’s my everything; my soul, my view of the world, my rejoice of the world and my voice to the world.
You recently held an art exhibition, ‘Colourism.’ What influenced the choice of that theme?
‘Colourism’ is defined as the discrimination of human beings based on their skin colour and pigment. This title not only inspired the project but encapsulated the theme for my exhibition subject. The project was triggered by the horrific stories of albinos, especially in Africa and Nigeria, who are hunted, killed and ostracised based on the social meaning and mis-education attached to them, their skin and the condition. Therefore, we tried to communicate the issues in its most vivid, lucid and holistic form possible. This led to the ‘Colourism’ documentary in association with the Albino Foundation, which has various albinos talking candidly about their life experiences with their condition, their success stories and its challenges. This documentary captured the entire demographic spectrum of the condition as well. Photography with albinos locally and internationally was to inform that indeed it’s a global condition rather than the presumably Nigerian or African problem. I also painted works that tried to portray the condition within the misconception of being an albino in the Nigerian society specifically.
Most of your works are humanitarian. What is the thrill behind it?
I believe that in our society art has the power to touch and impact lives on a deeper and unimaginable level. Through my work, I try to be an art activist and a social commentator, to speak for those without a voice and to create a social dialogue. Projects like ‘Womanish’ and ‘Colourism’ are an example of the type of issues and concepts that inspire and rule my artistic projects. The biggest thrill is being able to create from inception to conclusion a conclusive art exhibition that impacts society in a rewarding manner and provides a loud speaker for dialogue on otherwise ignored topics.
Could you tell us about the most expensive pieces of art you have painted?
I think because painting is personal and almost a piece of my being and feeling, my art and an eventual purchase is an unquantifiable reward irrespective of its cost. Sometimes I have sold paintings to people based on their connection to the work. That ability to connect mentally and artistically is what enriches me most.
What is the most interesting part of what you are doing?
I would say that the most interesting part of what I am doing at the Enigma Art collective is the ability to work and meet people from every part of the globe. My work is always inspired by people so the diverse facets of existence and human nature gives me the creative fuel to always keep me interested. The interaction of humanity and society and how each affects the other provides a creative canvas that is rich, dynamic and ethereal.
What new projects are you working on?
At the moment, I’m working on a few projects one of which will be in Lagos but most of my energy is going into the setting up and launching of the Enigma Art Collective creative hub here in Abuja over the next few weeks which is so exhilarating and self-fulfilling. Enigma Art Collective has always sought to be a creative group that transcends just being an art company, but rather create an artistic community that can express itself proudly and eloquently. As such, we have created a hub/cafe where individuals are encouraged to explore, share and express their creative sides and ideas. As you can see, I am very excited about this project and the possibilities this brings to the Abuja art scene.
What’s your favourite technique to use?
I am currently experimenting with realism and pop-art. As you can see in my art work I have an amalgamation of painting techniques through the use of bold blocked backgrounds with strong patterned strokes which create the texture and depth in my portraits. Painting is a continuous learning process and with every painting I am refining my practice and gaining confidence in my style.
What brought you to Nigeria and how long have you been here?
My husband is Nigerian so moving to Nigeria was only organic. I have lived here for three years now and it has been rewarding. Nigeria is an exciting place.
What Nigerian art and artist have influenced you?
Nigeria has an amazing art scene which is blossoming with young modern artists albeit we all experience poor support, recognition and exposure for our work. The English-based Nigerian artist, Chris Ofili has been a very strong influence on my artwork. His story, his artistic technique and the poignancy of his artistic commentary are everything I expect from a good piece. I have also come to be influenced strongly by a Nigerian sculptor in Abuja called Ifesinachi Nwanyawu. His artwork involves merging society debris, up-cycled material and artistic skill which is very inspiring.