“The troubled state of the average individual in the global society of today is fast becoming naturalized, hence my undying quest to spark a change, regardless of how little, call me the rebel within.”
Johnson Eziefula[IG: @jeff_jakes_]
When did you become a professional artist?
I started practicing art professionally since 2017, but I’d say I started practicing art “Publicly” in 2019.
I’ve been Incognito all the while, busy studying, keenly observing, practicing and redefining myself and mode of execution as an artist. So yeah, that answers it.
What motivates and who inspires you as an artist or generally in life?
What motivates me as an Artist is you, yes you reading this. I’m very much concerned about people generally, a society so to say and I stand to serve as a voice.
The prejudice, stereotyping, gender inequalities, cyberbullying, cultural & religious bias to mention a few amongst a lot of societal issues in the contemporary society of today. I’m inspired by love, fear, frustration, pain, gain and a desire for the betterment of all.
The troubled state of the average individual in the global society of today is fast becoming naturalized, hence my undying quest to spark a change, regardless of how little, call me a rebel within.
What else are you working on at the moment? Next projects?
I’m presently working on my debut series titled; Entirety Interrupted, which highlights the effect of globalization, migration, technological advancements, media socialization as well as post-colonialism on individual cultures, hence, placing cultural hybridization in view.
I’ve also put together the creative construct for my subsequent series; Incognito & The Weak Daze. I won’t be saying much about these bodies of work, all I can say is they have great prospects and I’d love for y’all to anticipate.
What roles does the artist have in society?
Well, I can’t necessarily pinpoint the basic role or responsibility of an artist in society, I feel it’s quite dynamic and subjective. But in my own opinion, I feel an artist, being just another human, is answerable to no one other than oneself.
Artists create differently with different purposes, for some it’s self- expression, for some it’s the preservation of culture and to bring some sort of sense to community and several other reasons. But personally, it’s all about creating value, directly speaking, I’d say it’s a subtle form of activism for me.
It’s revolutionary. Making an impact, creating awareness while getting healed through the process is what my art is all about, that’s my role in society. It’s my custody and getaway at the same time. It’s beautiful.
What’s your best quote and what is the best advice you would give emerging artists?
Art is either Revolution and Plagiarism. Be Revolutionary!
Johnson Eziefula
I won’t say that’s my favorite, but I need to put this out. I’d advise young artists to be true to themselves, self-discovery is a process, grow through it.
Don’t try to copy, discover your style, keep researching, combine concepts and content till you discover something particular to you.
Don’t get frustrated, neither should you quit, I was once there, still growing and not where I want to be as well.
Stay focused and keep making art, you create value and the world needs you.