Kemi Yemi-Ese
Opulently Black: Adure, 2020, Mixed media on panel, 16 x 20”
Describe your artistic style in three words.
Afrocentric, vibrant, realism
What's inspiring you right now?
The logography of ancient West African peoples has been a strong inspiration in my work currently.
What do you do when you're feeling uninspired?
It's frustrating to acknowledge when I'm feeling uninspired. I feel ungrateful as if in that moment nothing is moving or dynamic enough for me. When this happens I look through old sketchbooks and choose an unfinished drawing or concept and flesh it out more. This usually helps me reconnect with my muses, so to speak.
Tell us something unique about your process.
Painting from a wheelchair has its challenges. Oftentimes I create vertical pieces that I have to turn upside down to complete. I'm constantly rotating the paintings to make sure they are balanced in composition and proportions.
What advice do you have for other artists?
Do not limit your exploration of mediums and image styles. The most exciting part of being an artist is experimenting with concepts, stories, and the tools to convey them.
Anything else you'd like to share?
It is the human condition to explore, to seek excellence, and to create. The physical limitations we experience don’t always deter our endeavors but can motivate us to defy seemingly insurmountable odds. 2020 has proven to be a year full of odds. My hope is that the art we engage with inspires us to overcome those odds.
Opulently Black: Topaz, 2020, Mixed media on panel, 18 x 24”
Opulently Black: Try Jesus, 2020, Mixed media on panel, 18 x 24”
Beast It: tumblr + SaveArtSpace, 2018, Billboard
Kept, 2020, Mixed media on canvas, 16 x 16”
Oriki I, 2018, Oil and gold leaf on papyrus, 16 x 20”
Nigerian-American artist, Kemi Yemi-Ese, resides in Austin, Texas. Following a car accident, Kemi became paralyzed and uses a wheelchair for mobility. She reflects the struggles and triumphs living with a disability entail through relatable imagery. Her current work is inspired by her Nigerian heritage, blending contemplative portraits with cultural exploration.