INTRODUCTION
My name is Mesewaku Sejiro Paul. I am a contemporary artist. My works are mostly mixed media, combining oil, colour, acrylic, and charcoal. I am also a sculptor—I carve wood and work with fiberglass.
CAN YOU GIVE A BRIEF BACKGROUND OF YOUR ART JOURNEY?
My dad is also an artist, a sculptor, and he was my first point of influence. I was also deeply inspired by my community and the rich cultural heritage in Badagry. Historical sites such as the First Storey Building, the Slave Barracoon, and the Point of No Return all stand out to me and continue to resonate deeply.
I am Egun, and people often view us as backward. Through my work, I aim to rewrite that narrative by telling our stories and showing that we are much more than what people imagine.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE COLOURS, SHAPES AND TEXTURES IN YOUR WORKS?
The use of blue in my work highlights key parts of the human body; the hands, legs, ears, and mouth, especially as it relates to the Egun people. The hands symbolize the ability to farm and feed oneself.
The patches on the face represent the struggles of the Egun people and what they endured, particularly during the Atlantic Slave Trade, where human lives were exchanged for mirrors, umbrellas, and alcohol, objects that now stand as symbols of oppression.
The mouth represents the silenced voices during the slave trade era, when people were forced to work on farmlands with their communication intentionally restricted to prevent them from scheming their way to freedom.
Life is not smooth. Everything we go through leaves us with scars; reminders and lessons, but we continue to move forward, regardless of how bruised we are.
HOW DOES YOUR WORK FIT INTO THE OVERALL THEME OF THIS EXHIBITION?
My art is centered around the identity of the Egun people, what defines us: our culture, our clothing, our chains, our struggles, and even the way we carry our babies. It is a reflection of who we are and what exists among us as a people. I explore the different phases of our lives and how they have come to shape our collective identity.
HAS YOUR WORK EVOLVED OVER TIME? AND IF SO, HOW?
Before, my works didn’t really speak to anything in particular. There was no deeper meaning beyond the surface, and I wasn’t addressing any issues, I was simply painting. Then in 2022, I attended the Voodoo Festival in Benin Republic. I was fascinated by the cultural displays; the festivities, boat regatta, Ague, among others.
Before that, I often mixed European concepts with our culture, but I later realized that it was a subtle form of cultural slavery. I also began to lean towards societal issues such as profiling and stereotypes—how people are judged solely by appearance while their actions are overlooked.
Returning to where my family originally comes from was a moment of deep realization. It made me see just how rich and powerful our culture truly is. That experience is why my work now focuses largely on the history and culture of my people.
WHAT DO ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT BEING AN ARTIST?
I enjoy the freedom that comes with doing what I truly want to do. I'm not bothered about chasing a job. I love making art so much that I could do it for free. Art is an expression of how I feel—my emotions, everything—I can pour it all into my painting.
Even if I’m not profiting from the works I create, I don’t mind. I just love to paint. I earn from other artistic expressions like interior decoration and painting wall murals, and that helps take the pressure off. It allows me to create freely, without desperation, and truly express myself.
WHAT MAJOR CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS AN ARTIST?
I would say marketing, as an artist, and properly putting my work out there is one area I’m still growing in. Because I’m not so focused on the money, I see my art more as a tool for impact, something that will outlive me. My art is my legacy. That’s why I consider being an artist a blessing; it’s transgenerational. For this reason, I don’t really see anything as a fundamental challenge when it comes to my art.
ANY OTHER WORDS?
I believe artists shouldn't sell their works simply because they need money. I know that might sound like a privileged thing to say, but I think there should be integrity and a certain standard to your craft and output.
Overall, work hard and always put in your best.
