"Perception of self"
Multidisciplinary artist VILLAGER challenges societal norms through compelling abstract artwork.
Some artists create for the sake of creating, while others find their purpose in life through the act of creation.
VILLAGER is a Baltimore based, Nigerian born multidisciplinary artist who reaffirms their existence through art.
The start of 2023 marked the beginning of VILLAGER’s next “moment of exploration” inspired by the word “verbovocovisual,” a term used to describe the significance of multi-sensorial totality. They write,
“As an artist, the "WHY" of my work has always been very clear- My art began as a way for me to EXIST in a world where I believed I was no longer. It granted me the opportunity to re-imagine my existence and begin to create the world I so much needed to exist within- that of the endless possibility of imagination, creativity, and humanity.
I adapted this multisensorial approach as a vehicle for not only execution but interaction with my work- It is my goal to eventually reach a state in my practice where one's five senses, SIGHT, TOUCH, HEARING, SMELL, AND TASTE, can inhabit the full schema of my artistic creations.”
VILLAGER creates visually compelling, abstract, Neo-expressionist work in a variety of mediums. Their paintings, sketches, and sculptures are full of bright colors, hurried brush strokes, and bold markings that draw the eye in all directions. Each closer look reveals darker figures emerging from the array of color, an analytical social commentary on current events.
In “the man in the suit,” they explore social constructs of masculinity. Drawing from their own experiences, it “intends to address these ideas positioned from my experience as a black queer non-binary person that navigates the world usually masculine presenting.”
The black suit is juxtaposed by the bright pinks, reds, blues, and yellows representing an attitude of freedom while a cage in the corner questions the authenticity of outward expression. “Are we caged? or are we free? Is that person wearing or mask? or is that their real self projected on to the forefront?” Read more about the painting here.
“WITH MY BEING” is their current work in progress. A series of 8 soft sculptures, they address “the influence of culture on the formation of identity.” Using pieces of the free-flowing West African Yoruba suit garment called an agbada, manipulated with acrylic paint and wood, each garment is transformed into “a symbol of autonomy and freedom.” Read more about it here.
2022 was a busy year for VILLAGER as they worked in art spaces around Baltimore, were part of two selected group exhibitions, and had their debut solo exhibition “BUSH BOY!” at the Chesapeake Arts Center, Brooklyn Park, MD.
Getting to know and understand VILLAGER’s art is to get to know them as a person. Growing up in Nigeria and coming to the United States has influenced their view themselves and the world.
This is only the beginning for VILLAGER and we here at Actuality cannot wait to see what they do next.
Prints, postcards, and paintings from VILLAGER are available to purchase here. Make sure to follow them on Instagram and TikTok @vllager to stay up to date on new projects and exhibitions.