Playing with colour and form, Lagos based artist Olatunji Benjamin creates vibrant pieces of distorted realities through his experimentation of figure. Àṣẹ spoke to him about his weaknesses as an artists and the way his Nigerian heritage shapes the work he creates. 

Who are you outside of being an artist and how does that person influence the way you create?

Outside of being an artist, I would say I am a person who enjoys helping in ways I can guide people into into a journey of spiritual enlightenment. Having this worldview helps me see humans differently which definitely influences my work.

What do you most look forward to at the start of creating a piece?

I look forward to experiencing the transformative process of my work and the feeling of satisfaction once a piece is finished. 

Who would you say is your biggest inspiration in terms of art in the country you are from?

I'm inspired by Omofemi Oluwole.

(Omofemi Oluwole is an Ibadan based artist and curator recently highly recognised for producing the last commissioned piece for the late Queen Elizabeth II. His pieces are vibrant and bold exploring themes of cultural pride and heritage.) 

What is your greatest weakness as an artist?

My greatest weakness as an artist is the fear of the unknown.

What is your greatest strength as an artist?

My greatest strength as an artist is my ability to understand and pay attention to detail. 

Do you have a piece you've created that you feel more attached to than the rest?

Yes I do have many pieces like that. Pieces like 'As beautiful baby bird', 'Woman from the Seven Seas' to name a few.

What is an accomplishment that you are most proud of as an artist?

The accomplishment I'm most proud of as an artist is how I've moved into a space/existence which grounds itself in the liberty of creation.

In one sentence, what do you want the world to know about you?

I want the world to recognise my visual expression and understand the essence of it.