I want my work to serve as a reminder of our culture, especially the aspects that are slowly fading away, without realizing it.
INTRODUCTION
My name is Ashele Israel Akeem. I am a young Nigerian artist and sculptor. My work explores human identity and hidden realities, expressed through my personal style—which blends figurative and abstract forms. I work with materials such as fiberglass, metal, found objects, and anything I can get my hands on.
CAN YOU GIVE A BRIEF BACKGROUND OF YOUR ART JOURNEY?
I started off as a kid with a deep love for drawing and comics. Eventually, I became an apprentice to a roadside artist, which helped sharpen my skills early on. My dad supported my passion and encouraged me to study art at a polytechnic, so I went on to Yaba College of Technology.
Now, I create sculpted works in 3D; pieces you can see, feel, and fully experience
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE MOOD OR ATMOSPHERE YOU WERE TRYNG TO CREATE WITH THIS ARTWORK?
The works in my collection for this exhibition are rooted in personal experience. They reflect the quiet, often unnoticed actions and emotions we carry, things we do subconsciously that may not be easily seen or understood by others.
HAS YOUR WORK EVOLVED OVER TIME? AND IF SO, HOW?
I started off with free modeling and gradually explored other sculptural techniques like carving and metal work. Along the way, I created some interesting metal pieces, including gan ape, an eagle, and more. Over time, I realized the importance of developing a unique artistic voice, something that could be instantly recognized as mine. So, I began drawing from my personal experiences, which led to the evolution of this new body of work.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU FACE AS AN ARTIST?
I would say the main challenge I face as an artist is financial. I have so many ideas that go beyond my current budget, so I often have to scale down my work and hope for funding that will allow me to fully bring my concepts to life.
Another challenge is connecting with the right people in the art space. For many young artists like myself, it's also difficult to find collectors who truly value emerging talent and see our work as something worthy of serious recognition and investment.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS FOR THIS SERIES?
My creative process begins with research, followed by deep critical thinking. After that, I move on to sketching out my ideas before proceeding to the final execution.
Because my work explores actions and experiences that often happen subconsciously, I spend a lot of time reflecting and thinking critically about the concepts I want to express. Some of the pieces in this series also incorporate elements of culture and tradition, which adds another layer of meaning and depth to the work.
HOW DOES YOUR PERSONAL BACKGROUND OR EXPERIENCES INFORM YOUR ART?
I wouldn’t say my personal background has influenced my decision to become an artist or shaped my artistic expression. I don’t come from a family of artists or an artistic lineage. For me, being an artist is simply a true reflection of who I am, an expression that comes from within, independent of my background.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE VIEWERS TAKE AWAY FROM EXPERIENCING YOUR ART?
I want my work to serve as a reminder of our culture, especially the aspects that are slowly fading away, sometimes without us even realizing it. Certain parts of our culture are often seen as outdated or even labeled as bad. Through my art, I want people to experience our culture for what it truly is.
When people engage with my art, I hope it rewires their perception and helps them reappreciate the richness and value of our traditions.
ANY OTHER WORDS?
As artists, it's important to value connection, communication, and relationships, not just with other artists, but with people in general. These interactions can have a powerful impact on your craft and shape your artistic journey in ways you might not expect.
