A CONVERSATION WITH CHIGOZIE OBI, WINNER OF THE ACCESS BANK ART X PRIZE 2021

Chigozie Obi is a visual artist creating through the layering of multiple materials. Her work employs vibrant colours and figures to portray emotions and stories focused on the representation of Black people in their diversity. Her works have been featured in group exhibitions and auctions including ‘Real Life Is Fragile’; Thinkspace Projects, Los Angeles; MoCada Museum's Silent Auction (2019); and Collective Renditions, African Artists Foundation, Lagos (2019).

Obi was named the winner of the Access Bank ART X Prize in 2021 and has been awarded a 1.8million naira grant towards a solo presentation at ART X Lagos, a three-month residency at Gasworks, London, and mentorship and support.

Here, she speaks to the Editorial Team at ART X Collective on her emergence as winner of the Access Bank ART X Prize 2021, her practice, experiences, and aspirations.

Q

As winner of the Access Bank ART X Prize 2021, what are you most excited about?

A

I'm most excited about the residency. The thought of being in a foreign environment, having access to a new space, people and materials makes me giddy.

Q

Are there any particular experiences, in your childhood and while growing up, that have informed the themes you explore in your practice thus far?

A

Yes, there are. My work touches on a lot of personal things. For example, being a woman, particularly a Nigerian woman, there are several expectations of us by society, several stereotypes, and much more. My work also touches on body image and acceptance, loneliness, depression, loss, all themes that have come up or been prominent in my life.

Q

When you’re not creating, what do you spend your time doing?

A

I hang out with my friends, visit exhibitions, go to the beach, watch movies and series, listen to music, dance, read and more! An exhibition that touched me was the Primary Textures one at Pacers Gallery. I encountered Sophie Goudman Peachen's work for the first time and was blown away. Her technique, layering and figures were just so interesting to me and really motivated me as well. I was really inspired. My favourite beach is Kids beach garden. I love empty/mostly empty beaches.

Q

As an emerging Black female artist, what are some of the challenges that you have faced?

A

Alot of people have told me that I paint like a man. People have seen my paintings and wrongfully assumed I was male before they met me. They say things like my forms and colour usage are strong, and I guess they mean it as a compliment, but, it's actually not. It’s basically saying indirectly or directly that women do not or are not able to paint as "strongly", which is not a good narrative. Also being a female artist, some men think my art is a leverage for my time. It can be very insulting.

Q

Aside from visual arts, are there any other mediums that you use to express yourself?

A

I love listening to music, dancing, and singing. I'm always performing at home. It [performing] makes me happy, gets me energized and captures what I may be feeling at that moment.

"My work touches on a lot of personal things. For example, being a woman, particularly a Nigerian woman, there are several expectations of us by society, several stereotypes, and much more."

Q

What mediums have you not experimented with that you hope to in future?

A

I would like to go into sculpture eventually. It’s going to be a lot of hard work but I really enjoy viewing sculptures, and find them interesting. Some of my favourite sculptors are Peju Alatise, Lionel Smit, Pierre Santos, Murjoni Merriweather and Layo Bright. I find their work very engaging and beautiful. They motivate me and I would love to create some of mine.

Q

What was your experience at the Finalists’ Forum and Showcase Day with the other finalists?

A

It was great honestly. The ART X team members were so nice and open. They made me feel very comfortable, and the sessions were so insightful. I enjoyed the writing session with Maryam Kareem the most because it was very interactive. Writing is not my forte so I was looking forward to that session as it helped broaden my understanding about writing as an artist. I also enjoyed Kelani Abass’, Wura Ogunji’s, and Jumoke Sanwo's sessions as well. Each of the facilitators left me with something. My co-finalists were the best. I was already good friends with Mobolaji Ogunrosoye, and Nyancho NwaNri before the Prize but flowed so well with Chukwudi Onwumere and Omoregie Osakpolor. They were all so open, nice and fun. The whole process did not feel like a competition with them at all, and I enjoyed that. Lastly, I had a lot of nerves on the Showcase Day, even while presenting, but it still went smoothly. Again, everyone was so nice and encouraging. I'm very thankful for the whole experience. It's been great.