N U E L A R T S
Emmanuel Bankole.
Artist's Statement
I primarily work with African textiles and fabrics to make distinctive mixed media art. This medium allows me to include African culture into every piece I create while also reducing environmental damage through recycling. This creative method is accomplished by cutting out fabric pieces and putting them onto my canvas in order to produce an artwork that best represents my ideas.
My Recent Works
What's My Motivation?
Why am I an artist? What are my influences, and what do I hope to achieve through my art – and my particular brand of it? Every art piece I create tends to resonate with a different and unique part of my being, based on my history or my circumstance (or mood) at the particular instant of creation. In the process of realizing each work of art, I get to discover more of myself (and also more of God, the Ultimate Creator, through my personal experiences based on His Word, the Bible. My use of the Ankara fabric in executing my visual ideas isisisisisisisisisisisis a form of appreciation for the central role this fabric plays in contemporary Nigerian popular culture. Ankara has become a ubiquitous presence in our cultural landscape; it is an eloquent expression of who we are. We wear it, mostly, but we also use it in so many other functional ways. It already features in many of our aesthetic and lifestyle decisions and choices. So why not also put it on the map of the purely plastic arts - art for art's sake?
THE POTTER AND THE CLAY.
The potter and the clay represents a journey of self-discovery and purpose which involves recognizing the source of our being and the role of our ultimate manufacturer, God. By acknowledging our connection to this higher power, we open ourselves to the guidance and realignment necessary to live in alignment with our purpose. Through the challenges we face, we are refined and shaped to fulfill our unique calling, while also experiencing the transformative presence of the divine.
PROCESS TO PARADISE.
Transformations often require significant time and effort to unfold fully. This idea resonates across various aspects of life, including relationships and personal development.
The artwork conveys a crucial message about the gradual nature of healing from emotional wounds, like heartache, heartbreak and family dysfunction. It suggests that moments of emotional turmoil can lead to profound personal growth. The concept of solitude is also highlighted in the artwork as a crucial element of the healing journey. Solitude, free from distractions, allows for deep introspection and clear thinking, empowering individuals to emerge stronger. The artist implies that these solitary moments offer clarity, enabling transformative decisions. The presence of the dove in the artwork adds a spiritual dimension, symbolizing peace and guidance. It suggests that finding inner peace and purpose are essential for healing. These qualities serve as guiding forces, helping individuals navigate tough times and emerge stronger and more resilient.
The artist's innovative use of fabric on canvas creates a visually striking piece that prompts viewers to contemplate time, healing, and personal growth.
