ARTIST LAWAL MAYOWA
Lawal Mayowa is a contemporary artist from Nigeria, who says he is still on quest to figure out who he is. We discovered his works on instagram and today we invited him to discuss inspirations and creative process.
Your greatest inspirations or influences please.
Life! Every little detail of it and every single happening. From fashion to all the colours- my parent’s love for exploration and my imagination. Another great inspiration are my cultural traditions. For example, The OJU DE OBA - its vibrant colors, costumes and people displaying unconsciously.
Growing up, I’ve always been in the science world, but I actually found myself drawing comics at the back of my notebooks - and my teachers scolded me. Regardless I continued drawing even in my subconscious and it always felt therapeutic. Also I came from a family where no one but a brother practiced art, he was a photographer and I was his muse from time to time. I am sure this has influenced the use of objects and muses in my work.
How are the current trends in technology and innovation affecting your work as a creative?
At University, I had access to graphical softwares; Adobe photoshop, premier pro and the likes. Initially i made use of these softwares basically for my courses but soon enough I started exploring the possibility of creating art works by combining characters and objects together, and I began creating unique cover arts for friends.
We’d love to hear more about your creative process.
Not really sure this counts as a process but usually it starts with me just taking a peaceful stroll on the roads of Lagos, one of the most populated cities in the world. There is so much visual influence to take in. just from the versatility of the city’s people, so basically, watching life and seeing daily activities from different perspectives gives wide range of ideas and approach towards my work.
I love to photograph some of these very versatile objects and beings or make use my friends my muses. Sometimes I take self portraits or have my brother take photographs of myself, directed by me.
Music is another critical part of my work and just love to enjoy the process and see where it leads.
What do you think of the art world and how it works in general?
Well initially, I thought the art world was just about selling prints of my work, and going to art galleries. I thought that was it until the introduction of virtual galleries, Metaverse and NFTs . The art world is constantly changing- it’s evolving, it’s beautiful.
ART is life, life it isn’t stagnant!
What does wellbeing mean to you and anything in particular that you practice? 7.
My well-being is when I’m in a state of peace and freedom to express myself. My definition of peace is showing love to every being around me and my surroundings. Sometimes listen to Jazz and Lofi music for meditations and calmness and Afro-Beats when my soul craves joy, freedom and happiness.
