I once spent four years on a piece – Millicent Osumuo
How did it feel celebrating the International Women’s Day as an artist? I felt so good. I dare say it is my best ever yet, especially because I was able to motivate younger artists in secondary school and university. Organising the exhibition and having them be a part of it is pushing me to do […]
How did it feel celebrating the International Women’s Day as an artist?
I felt so good. I dare say it is my best ever yet, especially because I was able to motivate younger artists in secondary school and university. Organising the exhibition and having them be a part of it is pushing me to do more than I did this time. It was a really fulfilling day for me.
Why did you feel the need to include the students, especially the secondary school ones?
I believe in the slogan ‘catch them young’. The likes of Serena Williams and Tiger Woods started at a young age. Studying art in the university was not difficult to me because I was encouraged by a good art teacher in. With my secondary school experience I already know what it means to encourage a child from a younger age. A lot of girls do art as a side hobby but they get discouraged by people. With this opportunity I have given them their hearts will be more open to art. They will see art as a career and not just a side hubby. It will make the girl in university believe firmly in her field of study and see it as a profession that will not just sustain but also create employment for others.
How well do you think Nigerians as young as these girls value or have an appreciation for art?
I have had parents bring their kids to my art studio and their reactions were amazing. I have also sat with a couple of kids in conversations and their interpretations of some art pieces are unbelievable.
What’s at the back of your mind when you set out to have an exhibition?
When I set out to have an exhibition, hmmm … depending on if it is a solo or a group exhibition, I wish to meet and interact with other artists. Listen to people’s views about my works. Get fresh ideas from people about how best I could improve on my art and my art business, make sales, and get art commissions and art opportunities.
How do you define a successful exhibition?
A successful exhibition to me is defined by responses to the exhibited pieces.
Which of your works took you the longest to complete and why?
The work titled ‘Ada Nna Ya’ took me over four years to complete as I kept going back and forth on it. Although I am like that with most of my paintings, this particular one took more time. I kept feeling that something was missing each time I took a look at it or remembered it. I have exhibited it a couple of times and each time I felt I had completed it. I worked on it every year but I haven’t touched it in the past two years so I hope I am done even though I still feel the need to touch it one more time but the urge isn’t so much. So I guess its time is up.
Your new art trends include photography. Could you tell us about this new style?
Well I have always been into photography as I love to travel. I see it as capturing moments that can never come back. I am passionate about people, faces and figures are my favourite themes. A lot of them are people I have come in contact with. I feel some kind of connection with them and I am opportune to interact with them and know their stories. I take shots of them and immortalise them through my paintings.
As an artist, what three words best describe you?
Passionate, selfless and diverse. These show in all I do.
What informs your fashion sense?
My mood informs my fashion sense. There’s no hard and fast rule for me, to it.
Many say they can tell an artist by their look and this is because many are having unusual outlooks. In your view, do artists have to look this way?
Well artists have unusual outlooks. Yes they have to because they see things differently. Even when they try to be like every other person look closely you will definitely see something different.
What gives you the most satisfaction as an artist?
I get the most satisfaction when I finish a piece and it is appreciated. It gives me the courage to work harder.
What was the motivation behind your work, ‘Just like Monalisa?’
‘Just like Monalisa’ ….in that piece I heard her beautiful story and when I saw her I was blown away by the gaze in her eyes and her little hidden smile. Instantly, I felt that connection and the need to immortalise her.
In working on your Makoko series, what kind of interactions and revelations did you have as an artist?
I have always been passionate about Venice. I was opportune to travel there. When I saw the images of Makoko online, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I had to visit Lagos just to see Makoko. I entered the canoe, mingled with the residents and took a lot of shots with my camera. From my little research they have some similarities. Ever since I visited Makoko, I paint Makoko every year. The government should clean it. It should be some kind of tourist site like Venice and it will bring business opportunities for the residents and also generate revenue for the government. Demolishing Makoko means demolishing history that should be preserved.
What is life like as a studio artist?
Life as a studio artist for me is 150% demanding. From start to finish of my work comes from my studio. I need time to conceptualise ideas, I go out to source for what materials best suit my works, I go out for photography sessions, I go out to have meetings with clients to know what they want and how they want it. Meeting with that person enables me study him or her to know how best to approach the work. Sometimes I am required to visit where the pieces will be mounted to know what size or colours to put in play. With all the commissioned jobs, I still juggle to create pieces that are truly me. It is not an easy life it is highly demanding.
Asides art, what else do you do?
I love to travel. I absolutely love the experience. I also enjoy watching movies, jumping rope and yoga.