At only 22, Nigerian Photographer Kadara Enyeasi is highly tipped as ‘one to watch’.
With the creative prowess and self assurance to make it happen, his career will be an interesting one to watch unfold.
The multi-talented artist whose creativity spans into various disciplines; photography, architecture, menswear and low relief sculpture is currently studying an MA in Architecture at The University of Lagos.
He will be exhibiting his work at the BIG60 Lagos-London Art & Culture festival until Friday 14th August.
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Lux Afrique Writer Emeline finds out more about the artist behind the photography.
– You often work on portraitures – how do you choose your subject?
I don’t. People and ideas present themselves to me. I only look out for these opportunities.
– Do you feel a spiritual connection with the subjects that you shoot or do you prefer to stand from a voyeurism stance using the camera as a barrier?
I’d be ashamed to call myself a voyeur. But hey, I guess that’s what it is. There is no spiritual connection with my subjects. There might be but I don’t notice it.
– How different is the process when doing self-portraits?
Behind the lens I am looking to reveal in all honesty the mood of my subject and idea of the object. With self-portraits I experiment with self-revelation vs role playing. I am either honest with my figure or telling lies with my pose.
– You are currently studying architecture – what are the differences and similarities in your creative process?
Architecture and photography are spiritual fields. My process in working both fields are somewhat ritualistic. Slow. I follow a particular thinking by a Le Corbusier: let the idea come forth, send it to the back of your mind, forget it, let it ferment. Eventually, one morning when you least expect it, it will appear, complete.
– You mentioned Le Corbusier, how has he inspired you in other ways?
I discovered the concrete world of Corbu in my 2nd year as a student studying architecture. I have read up on him, his teachings and legacy and to a large extent, it guides my practice, architecture and otherwise. His paintings and sculpture for some time found places in my dreams.
– Time isn’t always on your side as a creative, do you feel time constraints help with the creative process?
Time constraints can hasten the thought process. Like sudoku, you take your time if it’s on paper but on smartphones you always want to make it in a faster time, no matter how difficult the challenge gets.
– Would you explore other art/design practices?
Definitely. Other than architecture, mainly residential, and photography, I’d like to explore sculpture, light and sound art and fashion.
– What are you working on at the moment?
Low relief sculptures. Menswear.
– Tell me more about your menswear, are you looking to develop into a menswear brand or will it be a one-off project?
It’s rather boring but I hope to develop it into a brand, eventually. I’m a follower of Yohji and Rei, two avant-garde Japanese designers. I like the austerity and straightforwardness in their clothes.
– Which ideas are you exploring within the menswear?
Austerity and reclusiveness. I’m anti-fashion. I don’t believe we should make clothes to attract people or look flashy. I think that’s pretentious and wasteful. I believe clothes should be functional, inclusive, and an extension of self. It should reflect an original personality. With my brand I hope to take into full consideration the regional elements, cultures and aesthetic.
– What could you see yourself doing in 5/10 years time?
Running a design studio.
– What would you specialise in?
Architecture and industrial design.
Kadara Enyeasi opened the BIG60 with his solo exhibition – BAAS on 8th of August.
About BIG60
In partnership with the British Council and The Africa Centre, this years’ installation themed Crossing Borders is a continuation from last year’s installation and will be held at The Africa Centre in London.
Date: 8th – 14th August 2016
Location: Africa Centre, 66 Great Suffolk St, London SE1 0BL
Nearest Tube: Southwark
Contact: Malaika Toyo – [email protected]
Image credit: A Whitespace Creative Agency
