Tejiri Esewhaye was born in 1997 and is from Delta state Nigeria. He studied Quantity Surveying at the University of Lagos. He is a self-taught expressive multimedia visual artist gifted with various styles of art; charcoal drawings, pen art, paintings, etc. His art covers a wide range of areas such as societal issues, life activities, the immediate environment, topical human stories as well as cultural diversity. He aims to always use his art to give hope to his audience and usher them into an artistic world of possibilities. He is a huge fan of colours, and as such a good number of his works usually contain a beautiful combination of vibrant colours. His works are also consistent in the use of figures that portray various emotions and stories formed because of personal experiences and happenings around him. He uses various styles of art in expressing his ideas such as painting, drawings and sketches, etc. He enjoys using acrylic paints, graphite pencils, charcoal, and colour pen in creating his works.
1) Which art movement do you consider most influential on your practice?
As an emerging artist in this modern time, one’s works can easily be influenced by the plethora of art movements out there. Taking a look at my works, I can clearly say my works are not influenced by just one single art movement but a number of them including realism, expressionism, pop art and more recently contemporary art.
2) Where do you go and when to make your best art?
Well, I enjoy making art in the confines of my studio which is most times free from distractions and disturbances of any sort. I also love creating at night. I love the tranquillity that comes with working at night.
3) How do you describe your 'creative process'?
I would say pretty simple and straight-forward. Once I conceptualize an idea of an artwork I intend tocreate I quickly seek for online materials that align with the idea. I also enjoy viewing lots of pictures on Pinterest and Instagram as well usually for some inspiration. Hence I fuse these ideas together to arrive at something quite concrete.
4) Which artist, living or deceased, is the greatest inspiration to you?
The world has witnessed the brilliance of many fantastic artists; Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, Frida Kahlo, Jean Claude Basquiat, Vincent Van Gogh and most recently Toyin Ojih Odutola, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Nelson Makamo, Ablade Glover, etc. As an artist, I would say Pablo Picasso is my greatest inspiration. He was truly an outstanding artist. Every artist would agree.
5) If you weren't an artist, what would you do?
Well, currently asides being an artist I am also a Quantity surveyor.
6) What do you listen to for inspiration?
I listen to art podcasts as well as watch artist interviews.
7) If you could own one artwork, and money was no object, which piece would you acquire?
Certainly it would be the Monalisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci. That work of art is quite captivating.
8) If your dream museum or collection owner came calling, which would it be?
That would be the Louvre Museum in Paris
9) What is your key piece of advice for artists embarking on a fine art or creative degree today?
Honestly I would say keep up the good work.
10) What is your favorite book of all time (fiction or non fiction)?
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
11) If you could hang or place your artwork in one non traditional art setting, where would that be?
Buckingham Palace
12) What was the biggest lesson your university course or time studying taught you?
Although I did not study art at the University, nevertheless based on my experience as an artist or creative, I have learnt that art is an innate ability, a super power and a unique way of expressing oneself. Although the techniques and skills of creating art can be studied and learned, a true artist is one who is able to tell his/her stories, explain his/her thoughts, and also one who is able to share messages by speaking through his/her art.
13) And finally, if we were to fast forward 10 years, where would we find you?
Well, envisioning what I would be doing in the next decade in terms of my art, I personally believe I would be in a totally different level in my art career, having solo and group exhibitions, showcasing my works at galleries and other amazing places globally, and most importantly sharing as much knowledge as I can to many emerging talented artists.
Learn more about Tejiri and discover his collection of artworks.
