Words by Jeffrey Arthur
Art is a very subjective thing. What’s Picasso-like to you might be pure trash to another, and some couldn’t care less about the meaning behind Da Vinci’s famous works. Its importance, though, can hardly be understated. Throughout human history, art – and all that comes with it – have played an important role. Man used cave drawings to communicate, Da Vinci’s last supper is as iconic as they come, and some of Hollywood’s biggest, most legendary films are centred around art.
On art’s relevance to the human story, I’m minded to think of Aristotle’s infamous quote: “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” The artist, then, is less a quirky career choice and more a mirror of life’s emotions, occasions and problems.
For artists the world over, putting pen to paper – or brush to canvas – is a religious and spiritual experience. I met such an artist in London, this summer, and chatted with his work, his inspirations, and his ambitions.
Tall, dark and uniquely handsome, Afure Taiga boasts an impressive artistic talent. Like all great artists, he’s cautiously shy, as if to say he’s never really sure of his own genius.
Below, you’ll find details of his work, life and everything in between.
1. Age & where you were born?
20 years old, born in Los Angeles. Raised in Nigeria till the age of 8 – moved to London.
2. Where did you first come across “art”
When I was six years old, I had a passion for drawing that I was never fully aware of until I was twelve. I would always sketch on pieces of paper and tables in the classroom, ranging from my favourite cartoons to stick figures and anything else that came to mind as a six-year-old. I had only ever sketched pencil drawings till the age of eleven. But, for the first time, I was given the opportunity to paint at my boarding school, and I was extremely excited. It was an amazing first experience, and shortly after my work was displayed in my school. This was the moment that art became music to my heart, my escape and a means of communication.
3. What does art mean to you?
When I was twelve years old I had to go through speech therapy for my stammer, because it was becoming so severe that I couldn’t pronounce a phrase out loud without stumbling on my words. I found art as my solace. When asked to read in class or participate in group discussions at school, I would often keep silent, even if I knew I had something to contribute. I was made fun of by classmates and friends, and I was never taken seriously. I gradually became more quiet, because I couldn’t express myself verbally. I had no alternative except to express myself through my sketches. That is when my love of painting started. Each work I create is related with a sensation I’ve experienced at some point in my life, and it serves as a way for me to express myself without having to speak.
4. Who’s your favourite artist
Basquiat
5. Artist block – is that a thing, what’s your experience of it?
Definitely, when you find yourself in a space where not much is going on and things are moving slowly, it’s difficult to stay inspired. Moving to D.C was very difficult in the art making process because I wasn’t having any experiences that made me feel unusual things. However, there is beauty in that. Having a block gives me moments to think and reflect.
6. Inspirations?
There’s a lot of aspects that drive the inspiration for my art. I’m inspired by people, love, and everything inbetween. Everyone has a different story, and everyone has that one thing that holds them back from doing whatever it is they truly desire. My artwork explores the inherent tension that exists between our interior self and the face we show to the world. My paintings are abstract and tense, showing both the expression of ourselves and the self we are trying to hide. I want my work to hold up a mirror and challenge people to look inward and examine their own selves and the disconnect between public and private.
7. Most important/favourite work?
“Ceaseless Thoughts”. I tried something I’ve never done before in this one. Generally I wouldn’t ever right things that I’m feeling, but instead just show it through the piece. In “Ceaseless Thoughts”, I tied the two together, expressing thoughts that we have all had in certain moments in our lives.
8. Your own personal style (as in fashion), where does it come from? Who’s your style icons
I wouldn’t say I get my style from anyone in particular, but I like to go for the 90s retro vibe with the mustache and afro.
9. If you had dinner with one person, who’d it be?
Basquiat, without a doubt.
10. A little bit about travelling and how it’s influenced you
I am very fortunate to have travelled as much as I have, and experienced different cultures that have shaped my perspective of the world. It’s definitely made me more resilient, having to adjust and comprise a lot.