Good day and welcome to my blog. Today, I’ll be bringing to you another exciting episode of the Interview as I will introduce a really talented African artist that goes by the name of Sheyi N Alabi. So I came across his wonderful art on Instagram (again lol) and I was glued to his page. I see a lot of art during my surfing episodes but his art stuck out. Something that impressed me was the presence of the African culture in his art and another wonderful thing was how he was able to achieve such a unique look for his art with just pencils. The last factor really impressed me because I told you all that I used to draw but never learnt to paint and the fact that someone was able to achieve this level of art with just pencils astonished me. I think I’ve talked the talk and it’s time for you all to see the works. These are his artworks:
That’s great, you’ve gotten the chance to see his art and I think I might have a clue about what you’re thinking, Amazing. Now its time to get to know Sheyi better, let’s get to the interview shall we?
Q. May I ask for your technique cause it’s amazing how you achieve this look for your art?
A. I belong to the Art movement known as hyperrealism Art. The goal is to make art as realistic as possible. Bringing out every pores and skin texture.
Q. Many artist out there what do you think makes you unique?
A. My Art is different. I’m more of a story telling artist. I basically tell African stories through my work(Art). Through my work, I exhibit a nation and her future. I draw African women. Without a doubt, women are known to be a nation. And I also draw mostly kids(children). As it’s said,
Children are believed to be the leaders of tomorrow. I come from a part of Africa which believes that children are the light of every household. African mothers would rather enjoy house being turned upside down than having a home with no children. They are source of joy and they bring life into every home.
Q. What was the inspiration to your art, what inspires you every time to draw?
A. It all started when I was about 6 or 7. According to my dad, I always got beaten simply because I literally drew on anything I could place my hands on. I live in an area that has lot of children and I’m always inspired by them. I also get inspiration from music. Artist like Fela, Beautiful Nobia and few others inspire me a lot.
Q. What message do you intend to send with your art?
A. I use my Art to give hope to all the African children out there. Our leaders have done their bit and its high time the ones out there get a chance to change the world. After all they said we are the leaders of tomorrow.
Q. What were your initial setbacks?
Q. Do you have a bucket list you aim to achieve with your art or what’s your ultimate goal for your art?
A. I’ll like to visit places that are of significant importance, historical and inspirational. Ultimate goal is to take my art to the world and be known with my style. I will also like to have some sort of Art school where children can come from any part of the world to get inspiration.
Q. Who is/are your role model(s) in art?
A. My dad, Rembrandt and Picasso.
Q. Do you have a particular work of art you consider your favorite?
A. I really don’t have any as favorite. My current work is always my favorite and as soon as I’m done with it, the next one becomes the favorite.
Q. What kept you going, what/ who were your supports?
A. Art is life. It’s my joy, my happiness, my companion and everything. It’s my own way of being heard.
Q. Aside from art, what are your hobbies?
A. I love football. If I wasn’t an Artist, I would probably have been a footballer. I love to play football and whenever I need a break from Art, football is the next in line. If I’m not playing, I’ll definitely be watching. I am an Arsenal fan.
So that’s a wrap, I hope you loved the interview and got inspired by it. If you liked his art and want to contact him via Instagram click here. If you have any comment that you’d like to share, the comment box is always free. Lastly if you aren’t following this blog yet, please make use of the Follow buttons.
Have a lovely day.
