Chinwe Ojobo is an award winning artist. She is the founder of Kulturecode hub and president of Female Artists Association of Nigeria. In this encounter with Yetunde Oladeinde she takes you into her world and the different things she does to touch lives and communities.
Tell us about visual Dialogues?
It is a platform to empower women. Usually, we use our artworks for Advocacy. But this time, we are doing Empowerment so that the women can be empowered.
How long have you been doing this?
We started in 2001 and we have has support from some embassies and UNWOMEN. This particular exhibition is being sponsored by sterling bank and Lagos Continental hotel but initiated by the Taiwan Embassy and Trade centre.
How many female artists are exhibiting here today?
We have 26 but it was 78 that applied and we had to select the best.
How did you get into the sector?
I started as a child and did very well in secondary school. I studied Zoology and later moved to Fine arts. My parents loved Arts and they encouraged me, then found my own niche. I do a lot of upcycling, work with Ankara and wood. Everything has potentials, when you stretch it, it stretches your mind. Basically, I do acrylic on canvas and I have collectors who keep my works.
How would you describe the performance of women in the sector?
When we started it was as if the women were all down. Gradually, they started growing their skill, putting in their best, getting better and we support one another.
Read Also: COMFORT OGUNYE: Women who dare to struggle cross very high hurdles
Let’s talk about some memorable moments in the sector?
I have had opportunities to travel abroad and done a lot of International exhibitions as well as done things in Hollywood and interacted with the stars. Also did memorable classes teaching children.
What was the experience during COVID?
COVID made me change a lot of my materials. I used to work with canvas but changed to wood when it wasn’t available then. It also gave me the opportunity to produce so many works. COVID also opened International doors for us. In the past, you have to travel, apply or get someone to introduce you but now the world is just one platform. I am travelling on the 14th for an exhibition on the 19th and there are others lined up. In a year, I could do up to 10 Exhibitions.
What are the other things that occupy your time?
I also design fabrics, bags and shoes. I also do movie make up as a costumier and set design. I also design furniture and interior.
Tell us about the women you admire?
Mama Nike Okundaye. At her age, she is still entertaining people and being creative. Everyday, you see her changing the position of artworks. There are also some Female foreign artists, actresses, entrepreneurs, women doing 3 or more things simultaneously and doing very well.