Artist
From Lagos, Nigeria
Based in Lagos
We are thrilled to interview one of a kind Affen Oluwasegun Ojo on his art journey, nature of the inspiration, views on the creative industry, ways to experience art, and many more
- read asap to get inspired
AR: Please, tell us a bit more about yourself. What brought you into art?
A: My name is Affen Oluwasegun Ojo. I was born and raised in Lagos Nigeria. I started painting professionally in 2015, back then I usually draw and paint a popular comic here in Lagos “Super strikers” until I joined Instagram in 2013 which I usually just paint celebrities and have it delivered to them, then I take pictures with them and post on my instagram that was how I gained audience before I started painting my own projects in 2018.
AR: What inspires you the most?
A: My mom is the number one person that inspired my style and the reason behind my creativity and also I’m also inspired by culture, fashion, tradition, struggles, and everything happening around me. I’m more about telling unique African stories through my paintings and also the story of the people as well.
AR: Do you have any specific rituals while working(creating)?
A: No, I don’t have a specific ritual when I’m creating.
AR: What would you recommend to someone who's new to art (an artist or just an admirer), what to begin with?
A: Never be afraid to start and also allow yourself to make mistakes, don’t have it all up in your mind that you want to create perfectly. You can be whoever you want to be and don’t ever limit yourself from creating. Keep creating. Love what you do and fall deep into it. Own your narrative the world will revolve around your craft. And remember it can always get better.
AR: Your top 3 adjectives related to art?
A: Authentic. Traditional. Artistic.
AR: The best angle to look at art is from..?
A: For me, I won’t say there’s a perfect angel to look at a painting from, it’s the angel that suits your mind and your eyes. If Mr. A is looking at a painting from an angle that doesn’t mean that the same angle will be convinced for Mr. B or C too.
AR: The Perfect phrase to start any conversation about art is: ..?
A: I discovered that I could express myself more with color, fabrics, and shapes that I couldn't say any other way.
AR: Must-read books to talk about art (or do we even need them)?
A: For me art is a freedom of expression, you don’t need to read books to express how art makes you feel. There is a way a single art piece makes you feel every time you look at it, art is therapeutic and that’s the way it should be. So I don’t think I should read a book on how art makes me feel or how art should have effects on me or anyone
AR: If you could change one thing in the art world - what would it be?
A: I just want my art to keep inspiring people, bring people together, preach culture and teach them how to be who they are without setting limits, also I want my art to teach people about culture and tradition and how not to forget our origin. I want my art to heal.
AR: Please, share your favorite quote (not necessarily related to art)
A: “We must not allow other people's limited perceptions to define us.”
Thank you!
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