Nengi Omuku: Experimentation is Everything

In her paintings Nengi creates anthropomorphic forms which float across surreal landscapes. Her figures encourage us to look beneath the surface using metaphors and themes that explore race, identity, mental journeying and mutual belonging.

What are you currently working on?
I am working on a body of work inspired by archival photos of Lagos and its people. I'm translating them into semi-abstract paintings that reflect the people’s state of mind. They will be presented at a show in Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, London Bridge in November. Hopefully the world would be back to normal then. Fingers crossed!

Can you describe your creative journey and how you got to where you are today?
I left home in Nigeria and moved to England when I was 16 for the sole purpose of studying art. It didn’t feel like a difficult decision at the time because I have known, since my first art class aged 11, that I would be an artist. It was, however, an uncomfortable move because of factors such as cultural differences, and dealing with people who had never encountered difference. But it was a necessary shift for me because I had grown up hearing about the Slade School of Fine Art and reading that it was the best art school in England. I knew I didn’t want to compromise on my journey on this path and wanted to be trained by the best, so I applied and got into the Slade for a Bachelors, and four years later got a scholarship for a Masters also at the Slade. After this I returned to Nigeria to practice as an artist.

Where or what do you look to for inspiration?
At the moment, I look to Lagos, the place and the people. I consider how we relate with each other and the facade we present to the world of keeping it together in the midst of what seems like controlled chaos.

What is the most defining moment in your career?
I would say the opportunity to create a mural for a locked, intensive care psychiatric ward. The commission came through the amazing charity, Hospital Rooms in London, with funding provided by the Arts Council in England. It was an incredible opportunity for me given my preoccupation with understanding the workings of the human mind, as well as being able to place a painting in an environment where patients wouldn’t normally have access to art.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?
I was taught by my mum to plan my time at a very early age. To wake up in the morning and follow a schedule. This has been invaluable for me since I work alone and I’m not really accountable to anyone. The second major lesson I’ve learnt is from my dad’s life. He’s taught me to work hard and to be open to change.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry today?
I would say experimentation is everything; it is important not to get sucked in to a way of doing things, rather be unafraid of evolving.

Describe Lagos in three words?
Hustle, energy and life.

All eyes are on Lagos contemporary cultural scene. What fuels Lagos’ creative energy?
The political scene and how we relate with each other socially are perhaps the key things that feed our production as artists that live and work here. Our work reflects society.

If you were to show the ‘best of Lagos’ to someone who has never been, what would the day look like
Unfortunately I don’t have much of a life outside of art, so I would say visit Lagos early November and get up at 8am on a Saturday. Head down to the Flower Shop Cafe to get the best coffee in Lagos. Then, take a drive down to the Yemisi Shyllon Museum. It’s about a one and a half hour drive but completely worth it if you want to get an understanding of Nigerian traditional, modern and contemporary art. Fingers crossed you might even get a tour by the amazing architect and director of the museum Jesse Castelote! For a taste of really authentic Nigerian food get takeout Jollof rice and plantain from Ghana High in Lagos Island. There are no breaks, you eat in the car. Afterwards, head down to Art Summit to catch the afternoon talks. From there, on to ArtX to visit the annual art fair and finally to Eko Atlantic to see the Impart artist’s fair. Finally, if you’re looking for something fancy, get dinner and drinks outdoors at the Eko Pearl Restaurant in Eko Atlantic.