Interview: Author-Illustrator, Anthony Azekwoh talks art ownership in the age of social media
Over the weekend, ARTISH caught up with 20-year old writer and visual artist, Anthony Azekwoh who was recently commissioned to design the art for Adekunle Gold’s new single, AG Baby. Anthony, who is also an award-winning short story writer, released his first long-form book, “Star”, back in May. According to his website, he has over five more manuscripts in the bag, waiting for a publisher’s greenlight. In this interview, the young artist talks, melding his creative processes as a writer and visual artist, avoiding creative pigeonholes and upcoming projects amongst other tid-bits.
Who came first, Anthony Azekwoh the artist or Anthony Azekwoh the writer?
Writing is my first love. I started back when I was 12/13 and carried it until now.
Tell us about your earliest art/creative memories from childhood?
I started drawing a lot later than writing (about 3/4 years). But, four years ago, I made this swirly ink drawing and I showed it to my mum. She beamed, and said it was beautiful and that gave me the confidence to move forward. It's also worth noting that I showed her The ‘Red Man’ last week and she was terrified.
What 5 books would you recommend to a new friend who is trying to know you better?
Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare, Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy and Mastery by Robert Greene.
What 5 artists would you use as a reference for a curator who was trying to understand the kind of artist that you are?
Sam Spratt, Duks Arts, Duro Arts, Dave Rapoza and Alex Ross.
Is finding a mid-point, between your literary leanings and your art important to your work? and why?
They're both the same to me—an essential part of who I am. I'm not necessarily attached to the mode of creation so long as I'm producing. I want to be able to stand up and do something else tomorrow. Something random and exciting. So, in my head, it's all the same in this process of learning life and discovery. I'm currently not writing much nowadays and painting a lot more, but it could change next week, or the week after. The most important thing is that I'm creating. The balance will find itself.
Though most creatives are quite likely to be multi-disciplinary, there always seems to be a tendency for the general public to want to box them into one limiting field. How are you avoiding being pigeonholed as a "x-kind" of creator?
Honestly? I just shrug at it. It's an age-old habit that we've inherited. Hundreds of years ago, when knowledge centering a skill was limited and you had barriers blocking you from learning, you could only learn a few skills in your short lifetime and that was it. But today, I could learn how to sculpt on Youtube and ask professionals on Twitter what they think within a month. I guess I avoid being pigeonholed by following my interests wildly, regardless of what people think. Now, people love my 'Deathless' series. But I also have other things in mind, so I just continue as normal and get to it when I can.
What is your view on pop art vs neoclassicism, which is the better road travelled for any young artist trying to establish a pedigree?
Personally, I'm inspired by both. Jacques-Louis David has this painting, 'The Death of Marat,' that absolutely moves me. And Mark Rothko's 'Red on Maroon' inspired a recent painting. For me, I can't give anyone advice on the path they should follow—you would have to be very egotistical to point in a certain direction and say to someone, "That. That is the path you must walk." I just think that so long as you're honest about your love, and about your art, someone will connect to it.
What do you think about the distinction some art aficionados make between digital art and contemporary or traditional (gallery-style) art? Is it even necessary?
You know, when word processors came out, there were people who said it was just a fad, and that they couldn't be compared to typewriters. Now, we know that's silly. But that was a legitimate thought at the time. There's always going to be hate for the new kid on the block and that's okay. Digital art is, really, just another medium. Like oils, charcoals, and ink. I draw like you would on paper and paint like you would on canvas. I'm pushing pixels the way you'd push paint. Only difference is that I use a computer. To then say that it 'doesn't count' is just silly to me.
What does ownership and creative control mean to you as an artist in the age of social media where most things online are also presumed to be free?
Ownership and creative control mean everything to me. And I guard it with everything I have. But, putting work out today means opening yourself up to all sorts of risks and challenges that you just have to deal with each day at a time.
Describe an average day in your life, when you have a pending deliverable or commission
There's this running joke that I don't sleep. And I find it funny because I actually don't as much anymore. I'm trying to fix that, though—it's not healthy. But, with me commissions are really flexible and my time changes with each project. For the AG Baby cover with Adekunle Gold, he hit me up with the idea and everything, and said that we needed to get it done that day. It was 9pm at the time. So, I worked from then till maybe 6am, updating him, and both of us just shared ideas and talked until it evolved into what it was. I procrastinate a lot or try to wiggle my way out. But, in the end, a deadline is a deadline, and I try to get the work done as fast, and as good as possible.
What projects are you currently working on?
Well, I've started developing a comic. I'm drawing and writing for my series, The Witches of Auchi. I'm expanding and ending The Deathless series with the next 7 paintings. I have some cool portraits to share soon. I'm also starting a portrait series, painting African and Nigerian icons and legends. Some new short stories coming up very soon. And, my sixth book is also bubbling in my head. So, yeah. Not much.
[Edit: An earlier version of this story misquoted Anthony’s age as 19]