‘How suicide cases inspired my art’

Juwon Aderemi is an Ilorin-based figurative surrealist who creates illusory human figures. In this interview, he talks about his current work, inspiration, and more. Excerpts: How would you describe your art? I consider myself a figurative surrealist which literally means the depiction of realistic images in unrealistic forms. This redefines reality through expressive illusory human […]

Juwon Aderemi is an Ilorin-based figurative surrealist who creates illusory human figures. In this interview, he talks about his current work, inspiration, and more. Excerpts:

How would you describe your art?

I consider myself a figurative surrealist which literally means the depiction of realistic images in unrealistic forms. This redefines reality through expressive illusory human figures. I enjoy working in the late hours of the night with soothing music when everywhere is quiet. This makes my work process easier and more fun.

How did your journey as an artist begin and how challenging has it been?

It all started when I got my first sketch pad. I developed an interest in art after I encountered a domestic mishap and couldn’t leave the confines of my room for days. During that traumatic period, I resorted to surfing the internet and found out I could improve on my skills. I have been in the line of creativity since then.

In Nigeria, the art scene is under gradual construction. Getting recognition hasn’t been easy owing to the fact that I wasn’t formally trained. Creating art could be fun and interesting but having a platform that encourages one to showcase the finished work is another great challenge.

What has influenced your work the most?

Time has been a motivator. I realized that there isn’t much time when it comes to achieving my goals, which includes art. I have had plenty of it since I started my art journey, and although it flies quickly, I try to keep up. More often than not, I try really hard to manipulate it and use it meticulously to my own advantage.

What painting is your favourite and why?

I wouldn’t say I have a favourite piece because I like each one of them differently due to how challenging it was making them and how inspired I was by their underlying stories. So, for now, my favorite piece is yet to be created.

What themes do you explore in your work?

Basically, its about the truth behind lies. My just concluded series, ‘Expressions Untold,’ was all about stating the fact about life and how we shy away from the truth which we ought to embrace and decipher.

I am motivated to create daily. That is part of who I am as an artist. Being one is an opportunity for me to document my journey through life. I get inspired by the stories I remember from my past. I believe there is more to life than what it presents to us daily. This inspires me daily.

What real-life experience inspired you?

The fourth piece in my series, ‘Expressions Untold,’ was inspired by suicide cases that trended on the internet sometime in 2019. A lot of teenagers and older folks were reported to have put an end to their lives as a result of depression. I took this pain and burden to heart and that was how ‘Expressions Untold’ was birthed.

What is the most challenging piece you have worked on so far and why?

Every piece has been a challenge, one way or the other. However, the one I’m unraveling currently has been somewhat tasking because I don’t take a great deal of interest in hair and facial representations, but I took up the challenge. Just as expected, at first when I began the drawing, I got frustrated a lot of times because what I was getting wasn’t exactly what I wanted or anticipated. But as more touches were made, with the skill of meticulousness employed, the piece started coming to life and since then it’s been all good.

How would you say your skill has developed over time?

I took art more seriously in the latter part of 2016 and within a short period of time my skill and knowledge improved in ways I could never have imagined. I am still in the process of learning and I hope to widen my scope and interests as time goes on.

What is your most memorable experience as an artist?

Every moment as an artist has been memorable. I believe it’s safe to say I’m yet to have that mind-blowing moment I would consider to be my most memorable.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

It was that moment I had a really nice piece and already had plans to show her off, only to have droplets of rain find its way into my studio and on the canvas. It was distorted and I couldn’t fix it. I was embarrassed because for days I wasn’t able to present a final shot to some of my contacts who had been following the process of that drawing. I looked like a liar.

What are you working on presently?

It’s titled ‘Rebirth of colours.’ I don’t want to say much so I don’t jinx it.

What is that advice you got that stuck?

Someone once said to me, “it’s not about the art you created, it’s about that which you will create. So, keep the eagle soaring.” This has helped me remain focused. I don’t let my art get into my head because I believe I haven’t created my best yet.