Fresh off from a stunning debut show at the Rele Gallery, we meet with Nigerian artist; Ayobami Ogungbe, to know more about his practice and what comes next.
Kindly Introduce Yourself.
My name is Ayobami Ogungbe and I’m artist and photographer.
How did you get into Photography?
I got into photography in University. I took a photojournalism course and that kickstarted my love for the medium.
You’re a graduate of Mass Communication, what role has formal education played in the process of your work?
To be a better anything, you have to read and be conversant with trends. Studying mass communication meant you had read a lot. So that translating into my process meant taking on the importance of educating, mobilizing and informing the audience of my work. That’s how impact is recorded.
You make striking portraits of people. What is it about portraits, that interest you?
First off, I love people and I’m surrounded by them a lot, So making portraits seemed like the go to. Every other thing was just fascination with light, composition and seeing how they all come together to make the perfect photo is just beautiful. What’s not to love?
Your work unites photography, weaving and collage techniques. How did that start out for you?
It started as just the yearning to present photographs in a more dynamic way than we are already doing. Photographs are complex entities but now there’s a lot of photographs to the point where exposure to them is very saturated. I wanted a fresh perspective and I was bent on presenting that.
What are the subjects you explore in your work?
I explore personal stories and human interest stories. This allows me to engage with myself and people and whatever we’re dealing with at the moment. For me, that’s the essence of art, Engagement.
What has been your experience on the art climate in Nigeria?
I’m still new to the art world in the country but the experience has been great so far. We could use more young collectors in the space though but baby steps.
What challenges do you face in you work and how do you overcome them?
Well, most challenges are personal. Creating anything is a lot of work. So you have to fond that balance and be patient with what you’re creating. I’m fortunate because I can go back to traditional photography to distract myself whenever I hit an artist block.
Congratulations on your Debut Solo show at the RELE Gallery. Tell us about it?
Thank you. My debut solo is titled HOME. It’s about my experience growing up with my family. And the relationship we had with each other within these rooms and physical spaces. Some good, some bad. But they’re still very important and are partly responsible for who we are.
As the title reads: HOME. What about home did you pursue in this show?
Home means different things for different people. And hopefully when people see my show, they sort of find a resolution of some sort with what their meaning of home is.
What has the reception been like?
The reception has been amazing. We probably had more than 300 people on opening day and much more people have gone to see it after that. People got nostalgic with the pieces and it sparked even more meaningful conversations. I feel fulfilled.
Where/Who are your inspiration and influences?
I’m inspired by good things. Humans, movies, music. Other great artists. El-Anatsui is one. My father. I get inspired everyday.
About your father being an influence, how so?
Well. he encouraged me to pursue art. Enrolled me into art programme at a young age.
Who are the artists doing great work you would love to spotlight?
Neec Nonso, Adeolu Osibodu.
What is Ayobami Ogungbe currently working on?
Well, nothing concrete yet. Work develops and it takes a while.
Where can we see more of Ayobami?
I have more shows coming up which will be announce eventually by Rele Gallery so stay tuned.
