Introduction.
Art has the incredible power to transcend boundaries, ignite emotions, and capture the essence of life itself. In the vibrant and diverse world of art, there are those whose creative prowess stands out, capturing the essence of life through their work. Jayeola Joshua, an artist hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, is undoubtedly one of them. His journey in the realm of art has been nothing short of inspiring, marked by passion, dedication, and a vision to leave an indelible mark on the global art scene. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Jayeola’s personal and professional background, his creative process, challenges faced, his perspective on African art, and much more.
Personal and Professional Background:
Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Certainly! My name is Jayeola Joshua. I come from Osun state and was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria.
What artistic mediums do you work with and what is your preferred technique?
I express myself using various mediums such as acrylic, oil, and charcoal on canvas. Among these, I particularly enjoy working with acrylic on canvas.
How long have you been creating art and what has been your experience so far?
Art has been a part of my life since I was very young. Professionally, I’ve been creating art for about five years now. The journey has been quite an exhilarating one for me. There have been challenges, as expected, but I’m grateful for the opportunities and growth.
Who are your artistic influences?
My background and environment have a significant impact on my artistic influences. I also draw inspiration from the works of Vincent Van Gogh, Abdulsalam Abdulkareem, Foster Sakyiamah, and Leonardo da Vinci.
What are your goals as an artist?
One of my primary goals as an artist is to create thought-provoking, larger-than-life works. I aim to produce art that inspires and preserves the history, culture, and present moments. Ultimately, I envision my works being displayed in museums and galleries across the globe.
Creative Process:
How do you come up with ideas for your art?
Ideas come to me naturally, often inspired by personal experiences. The need to document these experiences drives my creative process.
Can you describe your creative process?
My creative process is akin to a blooming morning sun. I begin by sketching my ideas while my canvas awaits preparation. Once everything is set, I dive into the artistic process itself.
How do you stay inspired?
The anticipation of each new day and the desire to continually improve keep me inspired. Additionally, my background and environment serve as a constant source of motivation.
What challenges do you face as an artist?
Marketing and networking are significant challenges I’ve encountered, given their importance to an artist’s career.
How do you overcome these challenges?
Despite being an introvert, I’ve pushed myself beyond my comfort zone to actively seek opportunities, connections, and information that can enhance my artistic practice.
Professional Experience:
Have you exhibited your art in galleries or museums?
Yes, I’ve had the privilege of exhibiting my art in various international and national group exhibitions, including Art Miabo International Art Festival (Nigeria), Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery (USA), and Nirantar International Online Group Exhibition.
Have you received any awards for your art?
Yes, during my secondary school days, I was honored with the Best Student in Visual Art award.
Have you collaborated with other artists?
While I haven’t collaborated with other artists yet, I’m looking forward to exploring collaborative opportunities in the future.
What are your thoughts on the African art scene?
The African art scene has shown remarkable growth, with artists working diligently to bring African art into the global spotlight.
What are your thoughts on the future of African art?
I’m incredibly optimistic about the future of African art. I believe the trajectory is one of greatness, with African artists breaking boundaries and creating a promising future for the continent’s art scene.
Personal Interests:
What are your hobbies outside of art?
Apart from creating art, I have a passion for writing poems and singing.
How do you perceive the importance of art in society?
Art serves a profound purpose in society. It goes beyond healing; it’s a testament to our truths, a vessel for preserving culture, and a reminder of our conscience, regardless of our religious or cultural background.
Jayeola Joshua’s artistic odyssey is one that encapsulates the essence of creative exploration. From his roots in Lagos to the global stage, his journey is a testament to the tenacity of pursuing one’s passion. With a palette filled with influences both personal and universal, he aspires to create art that speaks volumes beyond what meets the eye. As Jayeola continues to paint his story on canvas, his art becomes a mirror that reflects the beauty, history, and boundless possibilities that life holds.
