Interview with Bukola Dagiloke
Bukola Dagiloke is an emerging artist with a background in information design and graphic communication. Graduating from the University of the Arts in 2006, Bukola’s love for arts has been consistent and a slow burning talent has emerged. Recently launching herself into the art world has given her the ability to express and address concepts around race, identity and nature that might otherwise have gone unsaid. Bukola currently works as a brand consultant and has a passion for sustainability and fashion, this passion translates into her artistic expression, patterns from nature, textile prints and representations of beauty unseen. Developing an illustration style with pen and ink is the foundation of Bukola’s artistic creations.
How would you describe yourself and your artwork?
My approach to life is quite simplistic and I think this translates into my art. I'm passionate about sustainability and nature does play a role in my artwork and expression too. My artwork is often an exploration of identity and a representation of my cultural heritage that I like to reference. Mainly monochrome as the power of "Black" really resonates with me as a colour in contrast and also as a metaphor.
How do you go about beginning a new piece? Do you have an idea already in mind, or do you start working with materials or sketches to find the departure point?
African textiles definitely inspire me creatively. I often draw some inspiration from patterns and textures which can be simplified, sketching and exploring patterns loosely.
When do you think your most prolific time of day or week is?
I'm definitely an early bird I can be found sketching and drawing in the early hours of the morning 4am-5am
What is a barrier you as an artist overcame? Is there anything that enabled you to develop your work as an artist in your life?
My background is graphic design which is a more structured approach to creativity so my biggest challenge was distinguishing my art and leaning into free expression.
Did you have an idea of what you wanted to create right from the beginning?
During lockdown I started to draw more often as a hobby and found my feet in patterns, this is the most enjoyable and relaxing expression for me which I just grew into over time.
What is the meaning or creative inspiration for your work? We’re curious what the narrative or story is to what you are producing?
The story is about hidden beauty and the simplicity and appreciation of the untold and oftentimes overlooked.
Besides your artworks, are there any other things in life that your voice as an artist may consider vital or valuable? What makes you joyful and creative, in other words?
The preservation of cultural heritage often lights up my creativity. Learning how to interpret what I see and feel about my Nigerian heritage into an expression that others can enjoy really makes me joyful.
Are there any exhibitions or places where people can see these beautiful creations in person soon? Anything on the horizon?
I'll be exhibiting at Art3f Art Fair in Monaco this summer (https://www.art3f.fr/index.php/en/visitors-infos-monaco) with Capital Culture House 24th - 26th June 2022 and also participating in The ‘Butterfly Effect' online exhibition curated by Contemporary Art Curator Magazine (https://www.contemporaryartcuratormagazine.com/online-exhibition-butterfly-effect/bukola-dagiloke?rq=bukola). The concept originated from Edward Lorenz's Chaos Theory, which explored the idea that no matter who you are, you can significantly impact the world. Exhibition period: February 21 - July 21, 2022
Website: www.bukoladagiloke.com
