A.E.: Now you have done something I find unique for any contemporary artist; fusing visual art (design) and high fashion, itself an art of sorts. Tell us about this.
V.E.: It’s a tradition that has been on going actually even in Nigeria. There have been artists/fashion designer collaborations. But I decided to work with Ituen Basi (the fashion designer) because I have been fascinated by what she has been doing with fabrics, be it ankara or her own Lagos fabric designs, she is innovative, so when the opportunity came for us to join forces, we knew we had to take the whole artist/fashion designer collaboration to another level entirely. We took our collaborations beyond just slapping my patterns and paintings on a piece of fabric. We created live art out of the collaboration, whereby you actually see a walking art instead of someone just wearing a piece of cloth. What’s most intriguing for me is her interpretation of my style, which Vogue Italia and other heavy weights in the fashion industry couldn’t resist.
A.E.: If at all, how does transnational lived experiences impact your art or the business end of it?
V.E.: It cannot be underplay, the influence that is. It teaches one to do things with the international standard in mind. You can possibly see a well put together show outside the country and not try to make sure you do the same here. Also we have to look at work ethics as well and dedication to what one believes in. As for the business aspect of things, Nigeria has it’s own set of rules, bend them too far and you end up with unexpected result.
A.E.: What political or philosophical considerations underpin your work – either as artist, photographer or writer (think about the nonfiction collection, Excuse Me!)?
V.E.: Memory and nostalgia come to mind. That got me feeling that we have so much resources that should not constantly be squandered or totally wiped out and be replaced with something too foreign beyond our own understanding. Nigeria has been saddled with the worst intolerable leaders who don’t pay attention to the importance of culture as a national value that must be nurtured and protected. As long as the oil pipes are flowing, everything else can go to blazes. So I deal mostly with making sure we don’t forget where we are coming from by borrowing a lot from my community as a child, where art was pure and respected. When it comes to writing, the politics in my work become more immediate and caustic, because of the endless in-your-face corrupt impunity of the ruling class.
A.E.: Cliché as it might sound, but where do you draw inspiration?
V.E.: From memory and my immediate environment. I am also driven by the idea that I must be able to positively influence my generation and the next one, even if it is only one person.
A.E.: If you were to be commissioned to freely produce a work of art which makes use of all your artistic talents and skills – writing, photography, painting and installation art, what would that art work be like?
V.E.: It will have Victor Ehikhamenor written all over it.
A.E.: You have designed a lot of book covers for the works of African writers and scholars alike such as Maik Nwosu, Obi Nwakanma, Chimamanda Adichie, Molara Wood and, for the African Caine Prize’s 8th Anniversary anthology, Under the Jambula Tree and so on. What do you do differently or what do you consider in designing a book cover?
V.E.: I see the book cover as another canvas, a collaboration between text and visuals. Book cover has the same impotence to me as a wedding gown. I consider every book as an artwork that will be moving from one gallery to another or from museum to museum. I take my time because I consider it an honour whenever a fellow writer considers my artwork for their cover or ask me to design the cover itself. In my village when a king abdicates the right to you to break a kola nut in a major event, you better do it right. The writers who ask me to design their covers are the kings and queens.
A.E.: This might sound unfair. But of all the forms that compete for your attention which artistic preoccupation is closer to your heart?
V.E.: Yes, it is an unfair question! Art has to be the mistress, the ever exciting muse that keeps me on my toes wherever I am.
A.E.: Once again we will like to thank you for taking the time to have a chat with us.
V.E.: Thank you sir.
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