ART X REVIEW -
THE WRAP UP
The Wrap Up with award-winning artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby, moderated by Tayo Ogunbiyi
“Reminding us of their in-person conversation from ART X Lagos 2018, Tayo Ogunbiyi posed questions from budding artists to Njideka Akunyili Crosby. Full of practical tips on topics such as how to present a solo show, protect intellectual property and find the right representation, the session was an illuminating guide to navigating the art world while maintaining one’s artistic credibility from one of the most celebrated artists of our time. A lot of Akunyili Crosby’s wise words came down to building a trusted network and truly understanding why you make art – whether that’s fame, recognition or happiness.
When discussing if and how your work should address social issues, Akunyili Crosby brought it back to what lends her own compositions social resonance. “A word that is important in my practice is ‘specificity’ – how something is rooted in time and place,” the artist said. “When things have specificity, people worry that those outside the space won’t understand it but specificity actually grounds a piece for everyone. It’s that narrowness that makes it feel real and authentic. If your work feels personal, people will get it.”
- Words by Helen Jennings, for Nataal.com
“Reminding us of their in-person conversation from ART X Lagos 2018, Tayo Ogunbiyi posed questions from budding artists to Njideka Akunyili Crosby. Full of practical tips on topics such as how to present a solo show, protect intellectual property and find the right representation, the session was an illuminating guide to navigating the art world while maintaining one’s artistic credibility from one of the most celebrated artists of our time. A lot of Akunyili Crosby’s wise words came down to building a trusted network and truly understanding why you make art – whether that’s fame, recognition or happiness.
When discussing if and how your work should address social issues, Akunyili Crosby brought it back to what lends her own compositions social resonance. “A word that is important in my practice is ‘specificity’ – how something is rooted in time and place,” the artist said. “When things have specificity, people worry that those outside the space won’t understand it but specificity actually grounds a piece for everyone. It’s that narrowness that makes it feel real and authentic. If your work feels personal, people will get it.”
- Words by Helen Jennings, for Nataal.com