Wole Adedoyin Interviews Clara Aden: I Value My Artworks as a Means of Self-Expression
WA: PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF?
ADENUGBA: My name is Omolara Elizabeth Adenugba also known as Clara Aden. I'm a multi-disciplinary artist very passionate about drawing and painting. I based in Lagos Nigeria. I work in Oil acrylics paint, pastel, ink but my principal medium is charcoal and pencil.
WA: TELL US MORE ABOUT ART IN YOUR COUNTRY?
ADENUGBA: Nigerian art is a dynamic and evolving field that reflects the country's diverse cultural heritage, socio-political landscape, and the creativity of its artists. With its rich traditional art forms and thriving contemporary art scene, Nigeria continues to make significant contributions to the global art world.
WA: HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT IHRAF BEFORE?
ADENUGBA: No. The first time l heard about IHRAF was when l Google Search for human rights organization.
WA: HOW ARE ARTISTS USING ART TO PROMOTE HUMAN RIGHTS IN YOUR COUNTRY?
ADENUGBA: Nigeria artists actively engage in advocacy and activism by using their artwork as a means to advocate for human rights and social change. They participate in public demonstrations, exhibitions, and performances that highlight specific human rights concerns, such as gender inequality, corruption, police brutality, freedom of expression, and the rights of marginalized communities. By aligning their art with activism, they contribute to shaping public discourse and mobilizing communities. Through education and awareness program they have been able to contribute to human rights education and awareness through workshops, seminars, and educational programs in schools, universities, and community centers. By sharing their artistic knowledge and skills, they empower others to use art as a means of self-expression, advocacy, and social change.
WA: WHAT THEMES DO YOU PURSUE?
ADENUGBA: Gender inequality, freedom of expression, and the rights of marginalized communities.
WA: WHAT ART DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH?
ADENUGBA: Traditional and contemporary art.
WA: WHAT ROLE DOES ARTIST HAVE IN SOCIETY?
ADENUGBA: The role of artist in society is multi-faceted, encompassing cultural preservation, social commentary, emotional impact, bridging divides, fostering dialogue, innovation, and education. Artists contribute to the enrichment, diversity, and development of society, challenging norms, inspiring change, and offering unique perspectives on the human experience.
WA: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ART WORK?
ADENUGBA: Michelangelo's drawings.
WA: WHAT JOBS HAVE YOU DONE OTHER THAN BEING AN ARTIST?
ADENUGBA: Actor
WA: WHY?
ADENUGBA: I have a passion for performance and storytelling.
WA: WHAT IS AN ARTISTIC OUTLOOK ON LIFE?
ADENUGBA: An artistic outlook on life involves embracing creativity, observation, reflection, subjectivity, and a deep appreciation for the beauty and complexities of the world. It encourages a unique and open-minded perspective, one that seeks to express and understand the human condition through the transformative power of art.
WA: WHAT MEMORABLE RESPONSES HAVE YOU HAD TO YOUR WORK?
ADENUGBA: Memorable responses l most had to my works is when my works resonate with audiences at exhibition, art workshop or public events, evoking emotions, sparkling conversation or conveying shared experiences. It's a rewarding feeling to know that my art has touched someone else's life. When l feel this connection and response to my works from the audience, it is always a lovely memory for me.
WA: WHAT DO YOU DISLIKE ABOUT THE ART WORLD?
ADENUGBA: The pressure to create artworks that sell well in the market is what I dislike about the art world. This can sometimes overshadow artistic exploration and experimentation. Artists may feel compelled to create work that aligns with market trends rather than following their own artistic vision.
Creating art can be costly, requiring materials, studio space, and other resources. Artists often struggle with financial challenges, such as the high cost of art supplies, studio rent, and exhibition fees. It is very difficult to sustain a viable income solely from art sales, especially for emerging artists.
Exploitation and unfair practices that artists face, such as unfair contracts, non-payment or delayed payment for their work, or the unauthorized use of their art without proper attribution or compensation. These issues contribute to a sense of frustration and mistrust within the art world.
WA: WHAT DO YOU DISLIKE ABOUT YOUR WORK?
ADENUGBA: I did not dislike anything about my art.
WA: WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR WORK?
ADENUGBA: I value my artworks as a means of self-expression. Through my creative endeavors, l have the opportunity to convey my thoughts, emotions, and unique perspectives to the world. The act of creating art allows me to communicate and share my innermost thoughts and experiences.
WA: SHOULD ART BE FUNDED?
ADENUGBA: Art often serves as a platform for freedom of expression and the exploration of diverse perspectives. Funding art can support artists in creating work that challenges societal norms, stimulates critical thinking, and encourages dialogue on important issues. It fosters a climate of artistic freedom and creative exploration.
WA: WHAT ROLES DOES ARTS FUNDING HAVE?
ADENUGBA: The role of art funding is to provide financial support and resources to artists, arts organizations, and artistic initiatives.
WA: NAME THREE ARTISTS YOU'D LIKE TO BE COMPARED TO?
ADENUGBA: Rembrandt, Caravaggio and Michelangelo
WA: WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'VE BEEN GIVEN?
ADENUGBA: Someone gave me some advice twenty years ago. His name is Arthur Judah Angel. He is a human rights activist to Death penalty and capital punishment. He said " Clara, your pencil strokes are very strong. Use your art to tell stories. Stories that inspires and make an impact,
WA: WHAT IS YOUR FUTURE GOAL?
ADENUGBA: I often strive for personal fulfillment through my creative practice. Expressing my thoughts, emotions, and perspectives through art is a deeply fulfilling and meaningful experience. My goal is to continue creating art that is authentic to my vision, allowing me to explore my inner world and connect with others on a profound level.
I have a desire to create art that resonates with and contributes to my communities. I want to engage with local communities through public art projects, workshops, or collaborations with community organizations. I want to use my work as a platform to raise awareness about social issues, promote dialogue, and create positive change within my society.
WA: YOUR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE TO UPCOMING ARTISTS?
ADENUGBA: The path of an artist can be challenging, but perseverance is key. Embrace failures and setbacks as learning opportunities and keep pushing forward. Believe in your talent, passion, and dedication to your artistic journey.
Prioritize self-care and mental well-being. Artistic pursuits can be demanding, so make time for rest, relaxation, and activities outside of art. Taking care of yourself allows you to approach your art with renewed energy and creativity.
Elizabeth Omolara Adenugba, known professionally as Clara Aden, is a multidisciplinary artist renowned for her captivating pencil drawings. Based in Lagos, Nigeria, she honed her skills in painting at the Federal Science Technical College, Yaba. Her works, which span across various mediums, have gained international recognition, featuring in exhibitions such as the "Global Images of U.S. Women" in Pennsylvania in 2015, and more recently at the Amref Artball in 2019 and 2020, a premier African art auction and philanthropic event in New York. Aden, the former Vice President of the Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FEAAN), has dedicated over a decade to creating art that critically examines social, political, and cultural issues, with a particular focus on gender identity. Currently, she is delving into the realms of photography and digital art, expanding her artistic expression beyond traditional mediums. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, Aden discusses her passion for art and her perspective on the evolving art scene in Nigeria.
Two Lives
