Abraham Ogunlende, son of music legend, Onyeka Onwenu, popularly called Painterabe, recently thrilled fans with another fascinating art show at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island. The unstoppable 24 year-old who is a Lagos State indigene just concluded his MBA in Business Marketing, at the University of Philadelphia, USA, and has now decided to fully branch out into other fields other than visual art. He spoke to ZEAL OBAZEI in an E! Blitz interview on why he doesn’t want to hide his light anymore, revealing in excitement his plans for the music and fashion world. “I love Chidinma. She has an aura. It dazzled me so much I gave her my Bloom painting when I saw her.”
This is your second successful art show? How do you feel?
I feel really good. I’m very excited. I feel like I have accomplished something great with the hard work I have put in throughout this year. It gives my life meaning.
Tell us about this second art show.
The name of the art show is called Bloom and it came about from basically watching flowers grow and trying to relate that to people and me wanting to bloom and also wanting to see the culture bloom as well as other people bloom. I like to express myself with my imagination of the world, culture and life and you can see that sense of wonder with the way they translate through these colours. Together, we go on an adventure and you get to perceive something deep you can connect with. For that, I use themes such as flowers, women and places that are picturesque.
What is your definition of bloom?
What bloom really means is a situation of growth and constant progress and just a beautiful thing really. That is what the art show encompasses. There is a depth of feelings and emotions.
Talking about emotions, what is that unforgettable experience that inspired a piece, perhaps heartbreak, love?
(Laughs) I get over things pretty fast and I forget because I like to express myself through my work. If it is bad, I try not to let it get the best of me. I just paint my feelings out, whether good or bad. All of it comes out through the colours you see.
Can you give us examples of what the colours represent?
For example, I could use purple if I’m feeling a little cultural. I could use yellow if I am feeling really happy. Then again, I could use gold if I am feeling really traditional. I could also use blue if I am feeling ecstatic. Then black, if I am feeling a little sombre or trying to express something a little more darker. So, it is all about the colours, the feelings they express and the emotions that they give out. I try to explore this. So, I can say each painting subjectively gives a feeling when you stare at it and it is the message and stages of blooming they are all conveying.
What is the difference between your first art show and this current one?
My first art show was called Culture Shock, at Terra Kulture, in Victoria Island and that was basically an outsider’s perspective. What I mean by ‘outsider’ is anyone that has left the country and came back and seen the growth and the change in the culture. So, that is what Culture Shock was about. After that, I took a break and really tried to branch out into other fields such as music and the fashion world and that is what I am doing right now. I am blooming! That is the message and essence of this current art show. Bloom is sort of the next step for me. If you understood what the concept of Culture Shock was about, then you know the next step will be to Bloom. So, I want to Bloom. I want to see the culture bloom. I want you to appreciate that feeling of bloom!
Who are the women in the paintings?
The women are called sierra aura. Sierra is the character and aura is sort of the feeling I try to give behind the character.
Did you always know you would be an artist, growing up?
I always wanted to be an artist, but I never really took it seriously until 2010. Since then I have just been going really serious with it. I had my first art show in 2013. And here we are right now, it’s my second exhibition.
Where did you study?
I studied abroad in the United States, in Philadelphia University, Pennsylvania. I just concluded my MBA in 2015. I’m finally coming back home.
Did you study Arts?
No! I studied Business Marketing. I never really studied arts, but my passion for arts never died. The flair was always there. And now I’m following that passion. I’m really trying to be a household name. I want Painterabe to be something that people remember.
Who are your idols that inspire you in arts?
Mark Rothko is one international artist that is inspiring. Keith Haring is another artist I respect too. Then locally, Lemi Ghariokwu.
Have you met Lemi Ghariokwu?
No. But I would love to meet him. He designed a lot of Fela’s pieces when he was alive.
So which one of your own pieces are you most proud of in this art exhibition?
It is the one that I gave the Bloom name to. It is basically the piece that inspired the show really. I have been taking many pictures with it because it is like a big achievement already for me. It is the illustration of the future I want. I’m also proud of the one with the naked women. It is a bit controversial, but I believe as an artist you have to walk that mile of artistic freedom and personal expression.
Do you make good sales?
Yes! I had a lot of sales. I have gotten lots of encouragement. I sold many paintings, even more than the last art show and still counting.
So, what are the challenges?
It is hard setting up at times. It can be stressful, but it is all worth it.
How will you describe the feedback you have gotten so far in your career?
It is coming through for me. It has been awesome. Thank God for that! I notice a lot of the youth like to come out for me which is amazing. It is a success because Nigerians appreciate creativity, culture and talent. Now, I also want to include my music and fashion. I feel very blessed. It’s been a good ride so far.
Are you abandoning arts? Is this your final art show?
(Laughs) I’m not abandoning art. Art is my first love. However, I want people to see another creative side of myself in my music and fashion. I am not changing my name, Painterabe. I am not changing my style. I am only multi-tasking. I love hard work.
So, you want to combine all of it together?
Yes! But the whole idea is that I’m relating it to me, being Painterabe. So, even with everything that I would do, I would still be called Painterabe. No matter what medium I’m using, I am still painting a picture in people’s mind. This is my chance. Life is short.
What genre of music would you like to do?
Something afro-centric. Afro kind of music or you can call it Afro-pop. It is something people will be able to relate to and have fun with.
Will you rap?
It is something I can do. If I rap, there will be an undertone of singing.
Will you include Igbo or Yoruba in your lyrics?
I can speak Igbo. I also try with Yoruba. So, I will try to mix both. I have recorded some songs. I’m gearing up for 2016. I’m in a good place. This is a new phase for me. I produce my songs and beats and I am proud to be part of my group, Bantu Collective.
Who do you feel is killing it right now in music?
Wizkid, Davido, Techno. I think they are amazing and I would like to someday work with them. Then, I love Chidinma so much. She is calm in person. She has an aura. It dazzled me so much I gave her my Bloom painting when I saw her (Laughs).
Which female celebrity will you paint in a heartbeat?
It is Chidinma o! I will paint her in a heartbeat because I like her.
Do you have any regrets not studying art, music or fashion? Would you have done things differently?
No. I don’t. Everything I did will eventually work out for the best for me. I’m doing what I love now. I am grateful for this opportunity and I am keeping a positive outlook.
Any advice for youths like yourself?
Saying ‘don’t let anyone tell you what to do’ seems cliché, but that is just the truth. Sometimes, in life, you have to go against your parents because they don’t understand.
Is that what you faced?
That is what I’m telling them. Not everyone will understand what you are trying to do. As long as you understand and you are sure of what you have, that is all! That is where you can find success.