08/05/2024
“1 - Yadichinma Ukoha-Kalu”
artists in their studio
2023
*yawn and stretch*
It’s been some time since I posted this body of work. I have been resting this muscle, planning, troubleshooting and being an observer of the work for some time. I have also been working.
How are you, my dear lovers of artists in their studio?
It is always a pleasure to meet you and talk about the work in real life. It adds to it. Feel free, if you are reading this, to ask more questions about it when we meet.
It’s taken some time to post these images because I have been trying to find the right words to express how I feel about Yadichinma’s work. But you see to write about Yadichinma is to do the very thing that I believe her work urges you to do. Step out of your head and play. Allow expression to flow freely.
To know Yadi’s work is to love Yadi’s work. It is to feel like a child on the inside. Curious and in flow. Inquisitive, willing to explore and experiment. I find that sometimes when I am stuck in my thinking about my work, I ask myself “What would Yadi do?” and immediately, I am called to step outside, let everything fall, and try something new. To permit for change. Her work says to come and sit down and have fun with change and let things flow.
Yadi, Daalu! Thank you! Ah, our conversation during this shoot has not left my mind. You are a talented, intelligent and skilled artist.
From A Plant You Cannot Kill to Efere. You dance with mediums, my dear and joyfully too.
Keep it up! 👍🏾
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“artists in their studio” is an audio-visual project focused on exploring the permanent or transient nature, form and structure of the studios of artists in different disciplines and how it impacts the artists and their works.
It gives its audience an intimate view into the kitchen of Nigerian artists, an insight into their essence and mindset, and the space to question the common understanding of what an artist’s studio should look like. It also serves as an audio-visual record of the artists of my time.
