I’m inspired by pain, says creative artist who lost an eye to glaucoma

Hope Desrey Okpanachi is a Nigerian painter that lost an eye to glaucoma. Even though this affects her painting, she does not plan to quit; rather she is inspired by pains from helplessness, ethnocentrism and discrimination against women. The Benue State indigene, who is a graduate of Sociology from the University of Maiduguri, currently works […]

Hope Desrey Okpanachi is a Nigerian painter that lost an eye to glaucoma. Even though this affects her painting, she does not plan to quit; rather she is inspired by pains from helplessness, ethnocentrism and discrimination against women. The Benue State indigene, who is a graduate of Sociology from the University of Maiduguri, currently works from home and sells her artworks online. says her passion for painting would not allow her to quit for whatever reasons.

How did you delve into art?

I have been enthusiastic about art since I’ve been conscious of my being. And it is the totality of my life. It is what I would paint for the rest of my life because painting gives me divine peace. It makes me very happy and makes life seem easy.

What kind of artwork do you do?

My kind of art is somewhat complicated because I have realised that I unconsciously try to establish a relationship between abstract and realistic ideas. I try to work between what is real and what is not because imagination creates reality.

What inspires your art?

I am inspired by pain. I grew up and still live around helplessness, hungry women and children, single mothers, joblessness. There is a lot of cultural ethnocentrism and discrimination against women. It is confusing how people are just people and how we still feel the world is as basic as we know it.

What challenges have you experienced as a painter?

There are several challenges because art is not valued or appreciated in Nigeria. It has been really difficult. I am a female and have no formal knowledge (of painting).  I have been discriminated against in some very serious matters and also sexualised, as to the manner in which I have decided to put my creations out there. Funding is another challenge and materials to work with  and topics to work on have been challenging because of the society I am from, and the people’s perception on such matters.

What has it been like striking out on your own?

Striking out on my own has been the most courageous decision I have ever made in my life. I am beginning to realize that focused energy affects physical mass. Every day, I try to be a better person and a better artist. And things have been falling in place for some reasons.

Share your experience from any exhibition you have participated in

I have participated in exhibitions both at home and abroad; in France, Nigeria, Britain, etc. but not in person. It was just the presence of my work because I cannot afford to travel yet.

What did it take to get your first order?

I was really young when I sold my first work to an American.  I was playing around colours and making a mess; some very funny-looking portraits but she found meanings in them. That really gave me a different perception of life at a very tender age.

What future do you foresee for painters in Nigeria?

African art is becoming a phenomenal thing, especially in Nigeria. People are becoming more aware and people are beginning to realise its value. It is magical and has the ability to heal and give peace. The future for painters in Nigeria is bright if only they are as passionate and relentless as they are talented. Because that is all one needs to rescue meaning from defeat.

Is painting a career choice or just a hobby for you?

Painting is just a passion I developed over time and I am still developing. No formal knowledge; just trial and error.

How well do you take criticism?

I take criticism very well because it challenges me to be better and I get better every day. People are different and I believe the moment you understand the difference, you begin to understand life. I do not expect everyone to have the same opinion about my art. If they do it would be very weird.

What is painting to you?

Art is not business for me even though it is currently my livelihood. I try to communicate with my paintings. I feel I have too much to say. I am handicapped because I am not much of a talker. I hardly speak, except when asked a direct question. So to stop painting is to die because it means I would forever be silent. What drives me is bigger than my imaginations.  I am currently struggling with glaucoma, and I already lost an eye. But it doesn’t limit me. I am incapable of stopping even if I wanted to. I breathe art and it breathes me. I think it keeps me alive.