10 Questions with Emmanuel Uloko

Emmanuel Uloko, known as The Naive Loverboy, skillfully blends a background in Computer Science with a deep passion for art. Originally on a different career trajectory, Emmanuel's inherent creativity and fascination with the visual world guided them toward diverse artistic exploration. Drawing inspiration from television, comics, and novels, Emmanuel embarked on a journey of world-building, creating imaginative sanctuaries.

Each meticulously crafted artwork by Emmanuel reflects an unwavering dedication to the craft and an unrelenting pursuit of improvement. Years of experimenting with various mediums and a personal commitment to self-expression have allowed them to refine and define their artistic voice. Their creations stand as a testament to the time invested in learning and cultivating visual ideas.

Emmanuel's artistic process seamlessly integrates digital art and traditional painting. Digital art provides boundless resources and creative freedom, while painting allows for physical expression and craftsmanship. This fusion has unveiled new dimensions for creativity, resulting in captivating and innovative artwork.

Rooted in expressionism, Emmanuel's distinctive style evokes a sense of movement emerging from stillness. Their art delves into the exploration of self and existence, featuring subjects that embody raw emotions, sensuality, and vulnerability.

Emmanuel's art has soared to new heights, showcased in the prestigious Holy Art Gallery across Berlin, Athens, and London. Additionally, their work has earned publication on the Reader Boons site, amplifying the impact of their distinctive artistic vision.

@ea.tnl

ARTIST STATEMENT

As an expressionist artist, I find myself continuously drawn to the exploration of self-discovery, a recurring theme that mirrors facets of my own personality. Through my art, I embrace the constant push and pull of life’s uncertainties, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of my journey.

Experimenting with various mediums, including traditional paint, digital art, and collage art, allows me to push the boundaries of my creativity and infuse my pieces with a unique and vibrant energy. My work embodies resilience, emphasizing the need to preserve and the desire to create despite life’s challenges.

My immediate surroundings serve as a wellspring of inspiration as I draw from the people, places, and experiences that shape my world. The media I consumed during my formative years, from books and magazines to comics and television, have left a profound impact on my artistic style today.

Through my art, I hope to connect with viewers on a profound level, sparking introspection and encouraging them to embrace their own journey of self-discovery. Each piece I create serves as a visual narrative, inviting others to share in the beauty of resilience and the transformative power of creativity.

RoseintheDark, Digital art, 1600x1600, 2021 © Emmanuel Uloko

INTERVIEW

How did you begin making art, and when did you realize you wanted to be an artist?

I've always dabbled in various creative outlets, often sketching in class notebooks. The innate desire to create has been a constant in my life. However, it wasn't until after graduating from university in 2020 that I decided to take art more seriously. This shift coincided with a period of introspection prompted by the uncertainties of life during the pandemic.
With a background in computer science, the urge to explore my creative side grew stronger. Towards the end of the year, I delved into the world of digital painting, a skill I was already familiar with. This journey reignited my passion for painting, this time with a heightened awareness of the technicalities involved. Reflecting back, I remember a childhood connection to paintbrushes at a neighbor's house at the age of 6, a connection that recently started making sense to me.
My early inspirations were drawn from watching television, film, and cartoons and appreciating the creative aspects of their production. Art began as a hobby driven by a need to tell my own story. What truly inspired me to start painting were my friends at University and fellow creatives who pushed each other to think outside the box and dream big. The supportive environment during those formative years encouraged me to bring out my creative side.
Visits to art galleries with my friends became memorable experiences. Observing their deliberate and intentional approach to creativity left a lasting impression on me. The consistency in their artistic expression became a source of inspiration, motivating me to develop my own discipline and approach to art.

Bitter_Sweets, Digital art, 3174x3900px, 2022 © Emmanuel Uloko

And how would you define yourself as an artist nowadays?

I have only recently started to identify myself as an artist. I am still in the process of discovering who The Naive Loverboy is and what story they want to tell. My art serves as an extension of myself, and I believe I am currently at my prime. Time is a crucial component in my work, reflecting the ongoing cycle of growth within myself as an artist.
Life itself serves as a significant inspiration for me, and I often reflect on my journey that has led me to where I am now. There is no singular way for an artist to express themselves.
The themes I explore in my art are self-reflective, drawing power from within. I attended an art exhibition where an artist answered a question, and that was a pivotal moment for me. I sought to understand what it truly meant to be an artist; they described it as a title earned through a journey of reflection and realization. This perspective has deeply influenced my own artistic journey, shaping my understanding of the profound meaning behind being an artist.

What do you wish you knew about contemporary art before you got started?

There's so much I am learning and would love to learn. I wish I understood the meticulous process involved in creating art. That’s something I began to understand as I went through that learning process. Over the years, I have figured out what works best for me and what kind of styles I can implement in my work through research, experimentation, and understanding artists whose work I admire.
This led me to take the concept of storytelling more seriously. How much an artwork could mean so much more when a story is connected to it. I started out so naive but determined to learn as much as I could. I didn't have any formal background. Social media was the closest thing I had as a form of exposure to the art world. I followed a lot of art and fashion accounts that posted about different things, showing references, the artists, and their backgrounds. Fashion, though more commercial, proved to be creative. The campaigns and ads I came across online and in magazines had a hold on me, telling so many stories in a picture. The internet was my oyster for delving into the art world. If I wanted to know about an artist or technique or learn a new style, I had access to that.

In your work, you blend graphic design and traditional painting. Can you tell us about the process of creating your work? What aspect of your work do you pay particular attention to?

The first instance of this fusion occurred when I finished a painting, “Ify”. Afterward, I photocopied it into my laptop and digitally painted on it, transforming the original concept into something different, which I named "Seventh Circle." While the paintings shared the same realm, the digital painting conveyed a stronger visual concept.
For my recent paintings, such as "The Magician's Tale," I initiated the concept using graphic design to draft ideas. For more complex concepts, I tend to work digitally. Simpler ideas, where I can apply specific techniques, are usually executed through traditional painting on canvas. The choice between digital and traditional mediums depends on what I aim to achieve visually.
For example, "The Magician's Tale" called for the use of canvas and oil paint to achieve a glass-stained effect, inspired by a similar technique used in my digital work on tiles for a previous piece, “SSS”. This blending of mediums allows me to explore and apply techniques across different surfaces, creating a dynamic and interconnected artistic approach.
Throughout my process, I pay particular attention to texture, considering it a crucial aspect of my work. Texture adds a tactile and visual feel to my creations, enhancing the overall impact and storytelling capacity of the artwork. It's the synthesis of these elements—graphic design, traditional painting, and a focus on texture—that shapes my unique approach to storytelling through art.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Media has played a significant role in shaping the way I view the world, acting as my first contact in developing a worldview perspective. This exposure led to an understanding of world-building, which is the foundation of my work. Initially, it served as a form of escapism, creating a safe space for my ideas to flourish. As I became comfortable in this imagined world, I felt compelled to explore my real life, leading to a dual existence between the safe, imaginary realm and the unpredictable reality.
My inspiration used to come from television, music, and books, but it shifted towards drawing inspiration from within. Experiences and exposures started manifesting in my work, as my dreams became more life-like. The need to translate these feelings, which words alone couldn't express, prompted me to bring them to life visually.
For example, "The Magician's Tale" emerged during a challenging period when I moved to a new city and sought stability and recognition for my work. The artwork became a representation of personal growth, skill development, and the emergence of hope. Even before the move and the exhibition opportunity, the essence of the painting was rooted in the theme of hope.

Maybe there's hoep for me after all (The Magicians Tale), Oil on canvas, 60x80cm, 2024 © Emmanuel Uloko

Inspiration Comes to me When I Dream, oil and acrylic on corrugated cardbaord, 30x36cm, 2023 © Emmanuel Uloko

What do you see as the strengths of your art, visually or conceptually?

I am a visual person, and when I approach creating art, my first consideration is always, "How do I want it to look?" This visual foundation serves as the starting point for my creative process. As I work, the story of the artwork unfolds organically. I embrace the element of time, allowing myself to step back and consider the broader perspective—reflecting on my experiences, emotions, and how they relate to my work.
One prominent strength in my art is the recurring motif of the serpent, which slithers throughout my artworks. This symbolizes the need for personal and artistic transformation. The serpent, often associated with fear, becomes a powerful representation of both fear and the potential for change. This concept is visually explored in artworks like "Seventh Circle," "Shh! The Voices Are Talking to Me Again," and "SSS," where the serpent plays a significant role in conveying themes of depth, self-discovery, and embracing strength and changes.
In summary, my strengths lie in my ability to envision and craft visuals that evoke emotions, the conscious exploration of recurring symbolic elements like the serpent, and the conceptual emphasis on personal and artistic transformation.

Do you have a role model that you’ve drawn inspiration from?

There is no singular person that inspires me. I find inspiration through collectivity and community, aiming to contribute to a larger forefront of culture. While I haven't identified a specific role model, I've started to gravitate towards African art and artists. African art, with its array of patterns and motifs, inherently abstract nature, and cultural richness, has become a notable source of inspiration for me.
In my work, I apply concepts inspired by African art, incorporating elements like the tiles in "SSS" and the stained glass pattern in "The Magician's Tale." However, my aspiration goes beyond replicating traditional patterns; I aim to transform something by reinterpreting and innovating these elements. The need to change the narrative of African art is a subconscious driver in my creative process.
One memorable experience at a gallery involved witnessing an artwork made entirely from plastic, demonstrating a transformative approach to creating beauty from waste. In the realm of African art, I perceive a focus on transformation rather than merely creating something new, and this notion shapes my own artistic philosophy.

Conspire, Digital art, 2315x2800px, 2023 © Emmanuel Uloko

What do you think of the recent introduction of AI in design and art? Do you see it as a threat or an opportunity?

At first, the introduction of AI in design and art left me with a sense of fear. The worry that my work could become obsolete was a natural concern when faced with something entirely new. In moments of uncertainty, I decided to dive into research, seeking a better understanding of AI in the art scene. Surprisingly, this exploration gradually shifted my perspective.
I began to see AI not as a threat but as another tool for artists. Despite its tendency to simplify the creative process, I believe we're standing at a pivotal moment in the evolution of art creation. Instead of hindering creativity, AI could be an opportunity to inspire more people to express themselves through art. One aspect that excites me is the potential for democratization. AI levels the playing field, offering artists access to a wealth of resources that may have been previously out of reach.
Far from stifling creativity, AI adds a new dimension to artistic exploration. The key, I think, lies in striking a balance between this powerful tool and the artist's unique creative touch.
In essence, my initial fear transformed into a recognition of AI's potential to inspire and democratize artistic expression as long as we find the right harmony between technology and individual creativity.

What are you working on now, and what are your plans for the future? Anything exciting you can tell us about?

I'm thrilled to share that I recently had my first exhibition in Berlin, followed by London and Athens, all thanks to the Holy Art Gallery. The opportunity to connect with people through my art has been incredibly fulfilling. The plans ahead are just as exciting - I'm looking to organize more exhibitions in the future, and I'm particularly keen on hosting one right here in Nigeria. My hope is to not only share my story but also provide a platform for other talented artists to showcase their work.
There's a lot on the horizon for my creative journey. I'm eager to delve deeper into collage art and explore the world of zine-making. I've been an avid collector of magazines, and the idea of creating zines opens up a fresh way for me to interact with these collected treasures.
Ultimately, my goal is to keep creating more art, learning new techniques, and expanding my network by connecting with fellow artists. It's an exciting journey, and I can't wait to see where it leads!

7th Circle, Digital art, 1422x1558 px, 2022 © Emmanuel Uloko

As we are at the beginning of 2024, what do you wish to accomplish this year, both in terms of career goals and personal life?

As we kick off 2024, I've reached a pivotal point in my artistic journey where I'm letting go of the pursuit of perfectionism. It's time to let the authenticity of my art shine through. I've realized that constantly chasing the perfect concept can overshadow the joy of the learning process. I'm feeling more confident in my craft, and this year, I'm aiming to have more opportunities to share my work.
Whether it's through social media or exhibitions, I want to put myself out there and connect with a wider audience. There's a shift towards embracing a more raw side of my creativity. I'm leaning into transparency, diving deeper into my work, and allowing it to reflect a more unfiltered expression.
This year is about breaking away from the constraints of perfection and letting the true essence of my art come forward. I'm excited to see how this journey unfolds, and I look forward to sharing it with others along the way.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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