Stephanie Unaeze – Q&A

Stephanie Unaeze is a Nigerian female Painter and Illustrator who creates wonderful and whimsical mixed media pieces, exploring themes pertaining to the proverbial self and its place in society, as the object as well as the subject. Looking at the self through the lenses of personal relationships, societal realities and self-actualisation. With aims to further understand shared and common realities that surpass basic socio normative identities, she acknowledges the constant state of becoming that exists in the natural world as a microcosm of the self. Through her form, which is likened to the pop-surrealist movement, she transverses through the subconscious and unconscious (dreamlike) state of being but depicts them in both the mundane and superficial to create striking images.

Unaeze’s work is resonant and reminds viewers that we are divine beings in a nonsensical world. She invites viewers to play by reminding them that it’s not that serious. She is self-trained and holds a Bachelors degree from Kwame Nkurumah University of Science and Technology as well as a Continuing Education certificate from Parsons School of Design.

Self-taught or art school?

I am a self-taught artist and I really valued that, because it gave me a chance to find my own unique voice.

If you could own one work of art what would it be?

This is a tough one, I would say any Basquiat piece. I love the honesty of his work and how unconventional it was. The freedom in his brush strokes and the subject matter he addressed.

How would you describe your style?

My style is a modern blend of pop art and surrealism. I love the use of colour in pop art and I love being able to express abstract thoughts and feelings through the surrealist style. It allows my artwork to be a form of social commentary whilst still being ethereal, dreamlike and imagina3ve. I always want my work to be honest and accessible.

Can you tell us about your artistic process?

Every piece of mine goes through 3 stages; ideation, iteration and creation. I first conceptualise an image in my mind and then I start to flesh it on through sketches. I do a lot of research because my work oMen has a lot of nuances, symbology and iconography in it. When I am satisfied with an image I then transfer it to the canvas.

Is narrative important within your work?

Narrative is an essential part of my work. I use my art to tell stories. Each piece is a visual representation of a collective of ideas, personal notes, songs, poems, culture and so much more.

Who are your favourite ar3sts and why?

Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, Basquiat, Kehinde Wiley, Zora Opoku, Peju Ala3se, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Faith Ringgold, Kerry James Marshall, Romare Bearden, Ben Enwonwu, Takashi Murakami, Kaws, Hebru Brantley, to name a few. Each of these ar3sts is unique and has a dis3nc3ve voice and message. They are unconventional and groundbreaking.

What or who inspires your art?

My art is inspired by the human experience, socio-cultural behaviours, inter-personal rela3onships and social issues. That’s why surrealism is a big part of my work, it allows me to express the mundane in a whimsical and dreamlike fashion.

Where’s your studio and what’s it like?

My studio is in Lagos Nigeria. It is my safe space, bright, airy and infused with a lot of books, plants and rugs. My Studio essentials are my Camera, MacBook and iPad, with almost all shows going digital last year these tools make working a seamless experience for me.

Do you have any studio rituals?

I love working in a clean and organised space, so I start every morning tidying up my studio, deep conditioning my brushes and lighting incense. This process allows me to declutter my mind and create space for new inspiration. I always listen to music when I paint, so there is always a curated playlist rifting through my speakers.

What are you working on currently?

I’m currently working on pieces for “The Other Art Fair” presented by Saatchi Art, which will be taking place this June in Los Angeles. The pieces I’m working on centre around themes including, post-colonial consumerism, self-love, representation and identity.

Where can we buy your art?

You can buy my art online at www.saatchiart.com/stephanieunaeze or by contac3ng me through any of my social media channels or by sending an email to info@stephanieunaeze.com

Website: www.stephanieunaeze.com Email: info@stephanieunaeze.com Instagram: @stephanie.unaeze