An Exuberant Conversation with Agbaje Abidemi
Photo credit: Samuel Bolarinwa (FatherFab)
Agbaje Abidemi is a Nigerian visual artist based in Nigeria. He is known for his use of pipes as a metaphor for humans and the influence or lack of influence we have on each other. He is represented by Bloom Art Gallery. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Painting from the Yaba College of Technology Art School. I had the pleasure of asking Agbaje about the importance of Nigerian art being returned to Nigeria, what he hopes to say with his art, and how he prepares for an exhibit.
UZOMAH: Who are some of your influences in art?
AGBAJE: Odun Orimolade, Temitayo Ogunbiyi, Wangechi Mutu, Frida Khalo, Salvador Dali, Peju Alatise, Ai Weiwei, Yayoi Kusama etc.
U: What do you hope to say with your art?
That everyone deserves an opportunity to be their best selves unapologetically. This is the underlying message in my works, so whether it’s racism or political oppression, or gender that I’m addressing specifically, the general undertone is that people deserve to be treated fairly and allowed to grow into whatever or whomever they desire to be.
Black Male 2 Acrylic on canvas 2020. 36 x 24 inches
U: How can art bring about change with societal issues and political conflicts in Nigeria and the world?
A: Art has psychological effects on people as is scientifically proven, the lines, the colors as well as other elements combine together to create a message that subconsciously or consciously affects its viewers. My kind of art specifically is provocative in a way that it cannot be ignored, I have found this quality about my work effective in getting people interested or engaged in conversations about issues that are otherwise ignored or neglected. I hope that the conversations that I drive with my works will someday inspire a generation of humans that are lenient towards one another.
“Portrait of All Men”, Mixed media on canvas 2021. 46 x 34 inches
U: Can you put into words what is your favorite thing about creating art?
A: PROCESS!, it’s a no-brainer actually, process is my favorite thing about creating art. I like how I absorb so much of an event or emotion, process it, sift out the excess, and create something that’s meaningful from that abstract experience. The anxiety that comes with the uncertainty is enthralling for me, every single time!
U: How do you prepare for an exhibit?
A: Depending on what kind of exhibition it is, if it’s an open call, I first ask myself if the theme or motivation aligns with the focus of my work; if yes, then I just create new work or apply with existing works that resonate with the theme. If it’s an invitation, I check for alignment still. I haven’t had a solo show yet, but when I do it’ll be a careful selection of a body of works that encapsulates my current exploration as at when (in theme and in a visual expression).
U: What do you think current Nigerian artists can do to bring more attention to the great art Nigeria has always had to offer to the cometary art world?
A: They’re already doing amazing things, I am proud of all the work that my colleagues are doing globally with visual arts. I can confidently say that the global spotlight has never been more focused on Nigerian arts and artists ever before as it is currently. However, I’m of the humble opinion that we could do more to channel some of that energy back into the local community. Art is the most powerful tool of change, the moment that artists realize that, we have won.
Target Practice 1 Acrylic on canvas 2020. 48 x 48 inches
U: What's your background in art?
A: I currently hold a Higher National Diploma in Painting from the distinguished Yaba College of Technology Art School.
U: How important is it for European countries to give Nigerian art back to Nigeria?
A: Very important! My fear however is management. I fear that we may soon see the deterioration of these artifacts as we’ve seen in other areas within the country; and also, what’s to guarantee that we won’t lose them again?
Target Practice 2 Acrylic on canvas 2020. 48 x 48 inches
U: As an artist what do you want to be known for?
A: The fight for justice and the campaign for love.
For more information about Agbaje’s work please contact Bloom Art Gallery. Also please follow Agbaje on Instagram and Twitter.
