Defining life with art and brushes with Dickson Emeji
Tell Us About the Man Called Dickson Emeji.
“My name is Dickson Emeji, the visual artist of Didi Black Art. I am a native of Rivers State, Nigeria. I was born and raised in the city of Port Harcourt, where I did all my academic studies.”
What Do You Have To Say About The Creative Economy?
The creative economy is one aspect that increases economic value through creative processes like music, visual arts, literary works, e.t.c. The Creative industry is where our cultural heritage is preserved and also developed. It is a gathering of different creatives, with different personas with the sole purpose of keeping culture alive.”
What Is Your Take On Collaborations?
“Collaboration is essential in the creative economy. As a creative, I see collaboration as a tool that pushes the creative's career upward and forward, thereby making thecreativee visible in the creative industry.
Collaboration can also foster unity which brings about development in the society. As a visual artist with multimedia, I look forward to potential collaborations with art galleries, visual artists, filmmakers and creators for the sharing and development of ideas, concepts, stories and resources to create innovative solutions.”
What Is Your Overarching Goal?
“My goal is to see young people inspired, stirred up, transformed mentally using my artworks.”
What Are The Rituals You Carry Out Before Creating And Your Inspiration?
“Basically, I pray before starting out because the potentials are a gift from the Creator. Then while drawing or painting, I listen to music. The rhythms help me focus and love what I'm doing. And such, leads to excellence.
I've always been inspired by stories from novels, films, histories, biographies, designs. These stories have shaped me into being a poet and a creative visual artist.”
Do You Have Something You're Working on Currently?
“I have various projects to complete, but one that is most important to me is a big painting from a spoken word piece I wrote, titled “Civil Wrong.” It is a message about injustice with the current state of our society.
I think in a more articulated way, we have to be involved in the transformation of our poor social structure using our creative arts. Voicing our complaints isn't enough. Through these pieces, we can reach lots of people, so it's time we use this medium to speak out.”
Tell Me About the Distinction Between You As a Human Being and as a Creator
“I am a curious and creative person who sees the world as a vast playground of possibilities. I am driven by a passion for defining life and I'm always looking for ways to express myself and push my boundaries of what's possible with my art.
As a Creator, I believe that my art is a reflection of my inner thoughts, emotions and messages and I am constantly seeking to explore deep wellsprings of creativity to create works that are authentic, meaningful and beautiful.”
What Are Your Top Three Projects?
“The first is titled Sweet Mother I Sober.
It is a favourite piece of mine. It carries with it a poetry that appreciates care, tenderness, family, value, love and respect. It is a piece that appreciates motherly love, motherly sacrifices. A mother shows love and care to her child by counselling, advising and praying.
Sweet Mother I Sober
The second is titled They Don't Care About Us.
Our voices need to be heard in the heads of the heads of state. I try to use my art to pass a message and this particular piece is one of them. It is all a tapestry of emotions; of the things we pass through as a people. This piece leans more on the political side.
The last piece is a mixture of colours and emotions.”
With a mixture of colours, brushes, paints and emotions, Dickson Emeji explores his inner thoughts, emotions and reflects them in his art. Dickson Emeji has a passion to define life and discover new ways of art that are authentic and beautiful. You can reach Dickson Emeji on Instagram @didiblackart.