THE SHEGE OF BEING AN ARTIST IN NIGERIA

Nigeria is by far one of the most creative grounds in the world. The talents we have within this nation are beyond amazing. The creative Industry should be a sector that is empowered and highly sponsored. It is a shame that it was of recent Nigerians embraced the creative industry as an  evergreen pasture. With the likes of artists like Limboblaze, Burna Boy, Davido etc, the narrative towards creatives is changing. However, it seems not much is done in the world of art. 

Artist, by Merriam's Dictionary, means a person who creates art using conscious skill and creative imagination. Artists, by this term, would include painting, sculpture, music, or writing; however, the title is tagged more to individuals who use their pencils, paint, or digital platforms to portray their emotions. 

Arkore Writes, always in the business of changing narratives, choose to interview two individuals  whose art is peculiar and speaks from a place not commonly talked about. Meet Marvelous Lulu Briggs and Abibat Mulero- two passionate individuals about their craft. Here is the interview run down: 

Arkore Writes:  What is the dumbest or funniest ideology people have of artists?

Abibat: That we all have money (laughs). 

Marvel: There is no future. Almost everybody has this one perspective on how they view a successful future. Like when you go to school to study a professional course, graduate, then get a good paying job or maybe start up a business, and so on until you’re financially comfortable. I do not believe that being an artist cannot make you acquire all these, but I feel art is more significant than that. It’s fulfillment.  For me, I can have the sky scrapper and be a millionaire, but if I don’t have art, I don’t have a future. 

New Shoes by Abibat Mulero 

Follow her here. 

Arkore Writes: I think art, especially painted art, is a form of escape from a twisted mind. Have you ever felt that way, like you have so many things you wish to say, but you can’t get them down?  

Abibat: Yeah, somehow, but I just found out that art shouldn't be a way to run away from a twisted mind or confused mind; art should be something you do to discover what you're confused about. So no, my art does not come from a twisted mind. It comes from a curious mind.

Marvel:  Art gives me freedom. It isn’t a trap; I totally can’t relate. 

Arkore Writes: What is art to you?

Abibat:  Expression. Art represents my words, my emotions, and my mind in particular. As Marvel said, I don’t know how best to express myself than art. 

Marvel:  I will agree with Abibat; it’s a deep dark world out there without my pencil. I have random voices in my head, and most of the answers to those noises are within me.  And the only way I could answer them is when I create art.   The first process in making my work is creating an art concept in my head. 

Creating the concept is like a debate topic for me; like me, myself and I take benches and have conversations. When someone asks me about the meaning of what I’m creating, I can’t tell at that moment until I’m done. And that’s how I get to answer the noises in my head and escape from a twisted mind

Arkore Writes: Tell us about how you started.  Was everyone supportive? Half people? Who's your biggest support group?

Abibat: I started art because I was bored (chuckles). I took art seriously because it helped me pass the time, and I got to listen to music for hours while at it. It was nothing too serious till it got imprinted into me, the need to create. It’s lovely watching how I can reflect on what is in my head to what is on paper. It’s a beautiful experience for me to see.  My most enormous support is my friends, brother, and everyone who likes my art. I could literally not do art without them.  

Marvel: I’ve been drawing for 19 years now, but art as a career started in 2016. Nobody was supportive at first until they started seeing how determined I was. Determination pulled in the support; however, my biggest support is my FAMILY. My elder sister is my most prominent critic and fan. 

Predispose by Marvel Briggs

Follow him here on IG. 

Arkore Writes: Tell me about freelancing as an artist. What is the funniest commission you have received?

Abibat: I don't think I can say much about freelancing as an artist; it is what I've seen most artists do. But when it comes to art, I'll never mix it with hustle.  My goal is to be extraordinarily different from the multitude, so I'm still finding my style. And the funniest commission almost every artist receives is that you should do it for free. It’s completely insane. 

Marvel: Last-minute jobs. Funny how people think artists are photocopy machines

Arkore Writes: Tell me, what do you think is the biggest issue with art, especially in Nigeria? Do you think it's a people or a government issue?

Abibat: It could be the government or the people; I'm not sure. But one thing I know and have seen is that everybody's art is the same; for most traditional artists in Nigeria (I mean pencil/charcoal artists), everybody is doing the same thing; nothing is different, and nothing is unique. Imagine being in a vast market where everybody sells the same thing; how do you distinguish yourself from the multitude? By being different, find a style that's particular to you, and you will attract your crowd; this would take a long time, yeah, but Rome was not built in a day. Many artists I've seen are self-taught, except most Russians and those with the money to afford art school, so I suppose that's why there is a hassle in that area. If you don't feel motivated to make art even with zero nairas in your account, then art to you has always been about money.   So I think it's a people's problem, some people can't decide if art is their job or career. Creativity and uniqueness and "being badass" at something cannot be overlooked... One artist I admire would say, "just make good art first."

Marvel: The biggest issue with art in Nigeria is “irrelevance” it’s been tagged with. The only thing  an artist is known for is being able to photocopy a photo of someone with a pencil or paint and make beautiful designs on surfaces. 

Sometimes I think people have forgotten art is a way of processing history. To me, I feel it’s a people and government issue. 

Thank you so much, Abibat and Marvel, for your time. We wish you the best of your endeavor.