Nana Tijany is an Abuja resident artist with a love for abstracting and draws inspirations from the daily happenings around her. In this interview with Daily Trust on Sunday, Nana shares her passion and challenges as an artist.
How would you describe your journey as an abstract artist, and what initially drew you to working with abstract art?
I will describe my abstract art journey as a ‘miracle’. I call it a miracle because being an art enthusiasts/artist has really changed my perspective about life in general and also enlightened me in lots of ideas and topics I knew nothing about in the past. Secondly, it’s a miracle because being an abstract artist is the best decision I’ve made in my life. Reason being that I love what I do – from childhood I’ve always loved sketches and playing with colours. Apparently, the use of different colours, shapes, forms, and careful gestural marks to achieve my work of art, with hidden meanings, is what drew me to work with abstract arts and designs.
Your work spans various mediums. Could you share how experimenting with different materials and techniques has influenced your artistic style?
My specialised mediums are acrylics on canvas, oil painting, water colour painting, flower pressed art, pastel art, graphics and textured art. These mediums are different methods in which I make my works, they include the use of different materials, methods, patterns, and timing. However, due to the exposure, use of different materials and techniques has really influenced my artistic style. For example, the making of pressed flower is totally different from textured art or acrylic on canvas. In order to produce this art work in perfect form, one needs to get the accurate materials for these mediums. Therefore, experimenting with different materials and tools has really influenced my artistic style such that I can combine two to three mediums to create a brilliant work that is out of this world.
Can you discuss the significance of abstract in conveying emotions or messages in your artwork?
Abstract art has enabled me access to explore and represent their personal feelings, thoughts and imaginations without the need for direct representation. Abstract methods make conveying of messages crystal clear. In fact, most artists pour their hearts out in their works, with either the use of non-figurative art, non-objective art or non-representational art. In essence, you see through the art work and know the exact mood of the artist. Personally, I think emotions work well with abstract art, and I use brighter shades when I’m in a brighter mood. But all in perfection so one can see through each and every abstract work of mine, and the emotions behind it.
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How do you approach the creative process when working with different mediums such as painting, sculpture and mixed media?
My first approach towards creative process when working with different medium is preparation. This is the first stage I start by getting materials, ideas and resources for the art work such as mixed media which involves the use of different materials, fabrics, acrylic paints, paper, wood, and other found objects. My second approach is called the incubation, this is when I get to free my mind from any form of stress, distractions, and allowing my mind and thoughts to flow freely, especially making sculptures which is complicated and requires a lot of time and attention.
My last approach is an evaluation, which is a review that takes place after I am done painting. This is when I get to notice any mistakes and make sure that my work is authentic and ready for implementation.
Are there specific themes or concepts that consistently inspire your abstract creations?
Yes. Nature. The idea of nature and the beauty that surround it is exhilarating. Taking walks and noticing all forms of colour, shape, or elements that one can incorporate into my painting. Anyway, the nature ideas makes my work vibrant. Nature has always been my greatest source of inspiration. The colours found in nature can also create an abstract art work depicting a story. Also, the foundation of my abstract painting is inspired by the landscapes of the natural world. Nature has played major roles in the lives of artists such as myself, by helping us see the world in different perspectives.
Could you walk us through a typical day in your studio, from concept development to the final execution of a piece?
A typical day in my studio is fun-filled and exciting. I like to start my day early in the morning, respond to emails, do a checkup on my social media page (work page), go through my agenda for the day, take breakfast, clean my space, clean my paint brush and pallets, then cut up my canvas to the actual size it was sorted for, frame it, then start work at a steady pace. Art work is not something you rush to make. Once I’m done with my art work, I expose it to sunlight and air. Then I round up my day with rough sketches of the next project.
What role does spontaneity play in your art-making process, particularly when working with abstract forms?
Spontaneity plays a great role when it comes to creating abstract art. It helps me to express my state of mind at that particular time when making a project, that way, I put my all in it. Some of the works I made from spontaneity are unique because those pattern or design can’t be found elsewhere, which is a great advantage of a spontaneous creation. With abstract painting, you have the greater advantage of showing or expressing your emotions into your work with the use of either colours, pattern, medium, or random objects.
Can you share a particular project or piece that challenged you and pushed the boundaries of your artistic expression?
Sure. In 2019 when I was still trying to find my feet as an artist, I did some customized gig for a client in Abuja. He showed me what he wanted, and asked me to deliver in two days, I worked tirelessly on that project. Due to the complicated nature of the job, I had to seek for advice from a friend that studied art, and also guidance to finish the work. He said I should quit art that there’s nothing there for me. I felt bad but I had to challenge myself to do the job and it came out perfect, more than expected. This act pushed me to do more every day and learn more about abstract which has changed my life. And I will never be afraid to push my limit.
What kind of emotions or reactions do you hope to evoke in viewers when they engage with your abstract art?
I hope to invoke a nice reaction when one sees my work. I express myself with colours and perfect composition combo in order to invoke positive emotions to whoever sees my art work. Such as being inspired, happy, interested, impressed, serene, nostalgic, joyful, powerful and fascinated. Also, I want one to think of nature when in contact with my artworks, such as the beauty of creation and the universe at large.
How does the choice of colour play a role in your abstract pieces, and what considerations do you take into account when selecting a colour palette?
Without colours, there will be no abstract. Choices of colours may seem like it’s nothing but deep down, that’s a great choice to make when making a spontaneous artwork. One needs to consider colours first before anything else because that’s what will make your work stand out from the rest abstract work. For example, in order to create a pleasing and soothing look or impression, I carefully choose three to four colours that are next to each other. But if I want a more pronounced work that will scream for attention, I mostly go with red-hued, yellow and blue.
As an artist who works across various mediums, how do you see the role of abstract art evolving in the contemporary art scene, and what do you hope to contribute to that evolution?
Abstract art has enabled many artists to explore and represent their personal feelings, thoughts and imagination without the need for direct representation. The role of abstract art in recent times is highly unexplainable because it doesn’t just create safe space for engagement. Being an abstract artist is fascinating, being able to create something never seen before with meanings is the best feeling ever. Therefore, my contribution to the abstract evolution in present time is to create entertainment and sheer-fun and warmth. Also, my major contribution will be to describe our era in an aesthetic way which will create room for self-expression and awareness. Finally, I would love to impact and contribute to the economic opportunity and community vitality.