We sat down with the talented Chimemelie Okafor, an artist whose work beautifully captures the multifaceted essence of identity through the shaping of many experiences. With her evocative paintings and compelling narratives, Chimemelie explores themes of identity, self-reflection and the varying emotions of the black woman. Join us as we delve into her creative process, inspirations, and the powerful stories behind her art.
Identity and Art: Chimemelie Okafor on Her Artistic Journey through Self Expression.
Chimemelie is a multidisciplinary artist currently studying art at OCADU in the Drawing and Painting program. She enjoys working with a variety of mediums but a majority of her pieces are acrylic and oil paintings. A theme in most of her works is identity. She explores this theme by not only focusing on herself as a black girl but also as someone who struggles with anxiety. She expresses herself through her art and reveals her current sense of self through her paintings, drawings and sculptures. The purpose of her works is to shed light on her life, leaving room to encourage and educate the viewers as they examine themselves through her works.
How did you become an artist?
I’d say I have always been an artist. I have been drawing since an early age and always dreamed of becoming an artist but I didn’t believe I could practice it professionally until 2021.
Can you share a particular moment or experience that significantly impacted your artistic journey?
The moment that significantly impacted my artistic journey was between 2021 and 2022. I was taking High-Level IB Art at Ridley College for my IB diploma and I remember speaking to my Art teacher Mr. Nickerson about what it is like choosing art as a career. Also, being surrounded by other like-minded art students at that time and having my first exhibition which I needed to pass the class significantly altered my memory on how I perceive art, allowing me to see my practice as more than a hobby but a career path.
How do you decide your themes?
The general theme in my works is identity and the word identity to me not only entails one’s physical appearance but also what a person struggles with, what they are scared of, their trauma, their personality, their insecurities, their growth and responsibilities. The themes of my pieces are derived from my past and current experiences. I take ideas from my journal and bring them to life.
What inspired Cry Me a River?
My painting “Cry Me a River (please)” was inspired by how I grew up being a very emotional person. Finding myself feeling sad and crying over both little and big issues in my life and constantly being told that crying makes me look weak. The piece validates female emotions, encouraging women to embrace how they feel.
What emotions or thoughts do you hope to evoke in viewers of your work?
Just as my works reflect several experiences I have faced, I likewise share those experiences with others, so I’d love for the viewers to see themselves in my work.
How do you feel about exhibiting your work? What does this exhibition mean to
you?
I feel very grateful exhibiting my work. After all, when people view and appreciate my pieces, I finally feel heard because my artworks are my voice. As someone who struggles with anxiety, my way of communication has been through my pieces. I am very excited for people to understand me better through my work.
Are there any particular pieces in this exhibition that hold special significance to you and why?
A piece that holds significant meaning is “Sunday Morning” because it speaks to my personal life experiences. It portrays my mom's efforts to make me look well-kept by teaching me how to take care of my natural hair, style it and also what clothes to wear.
What should our guests be most excited to see in your exhibition?
Guests should be excited to see a play on colours and form. Beyond aesthetics, they should also be ready to see and feel various emotions and understand the lifestyle of a black woman.
Lastly, How do you relate to the word "sis"?
The word “sis” refers to the female community who built us to make us who we are today. Women who are there for us through our good and bad times, encouraging us to be our best versions. This word goes both ways.
Ọ̀KẸ́ is on a mission to unveil cultural riches, showcasing our similarities and experiences in each exhibition. Find out more about Hey Sis...
Hey Sis... is supported by STACKT and RADRCanada.
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