Interviews | THE.CCART

In this interview, Nigerian artist Amatullah Alhassan shares how art grew from childhood curiosity into a vital form of self-expression, allowing her to communicate thoughts and emotions she could not always put into words. 🎨 Working primarily with acrylic, line, geometry and figurative portraiture, Amatullah’s practice draws from culture, memory and identity. Her paintings explore Black womanhood and Nigerian tradition, often featuring head ties, patterned clothing and sunflowers as symbols of hope and pride. 💬 She reflects on being self-taught, learning through curiosity and discipline, and how motherhood has deepened her perspective as an artist. Amatullah also discusses cultural influence, creative growth and the importance of staying true to your voice. — Follow Amatullah Alhassan 📸 / https://www.instagram.com/artbyamah/ Connect with THE.CCART 📸 / https://www.instagram.com/the.ccart 🌍 https://www.theccart.com — ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:16 – Art Journey 01:43 – Developing Skills 03:19 – Culture, identity and Black womanhood 06:43 – Sunflower, lines, and geometry 09:07 – Creative process 10:54 – Favourite artwork 11:35 – Motherhood 12:14 – Overcoming Challenges 17:35 – Motivation and advice for artists #art #artist #contemporaryart #nigerianart #blackwomanhood #THECCART

British-Caribbean artist Yvadney Davis reflects on returning to painting after a career in fashion, and how rediscovering art during the pandemic reshaped her practice and purpose. Working primarily with oil, collage, wallpaper and beadwork, Yvadney’s paintings act as a visual archive of Black British Caribbean life in the UK. Drawing from family history, memory and lived experience, her work explores home, belonging, identity and the emotional inheritance passed through generations. — Connect with THE.CCART 📸 https://www.instagram.com/the.ccart/ 🌍 https://www.theccart.com — ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:19 – Art Journey 02:36 – Identity 03:44 – Windrush 06:35 – Using wallpaper, collage and memory 09:26 – Art Process 12:46 – Favourite Artwork 16:07 – Connecting with work 17:33 – Motherhood 20:42 – Challenges 21:30 – Imposter Syndrome 22:33 – Staying Committed 25:06 – Motivation 25:40 – Future Planes 27:15 – Final reflections #art #artist #blackbritishart #caribbeandiaspora #contemporaryart #THECCART

In this interview, Lagos-based artist Eshinlokun Wasiu opens up about his creative journey, his mother’s encouragement, and how art became both his outlet and his way of connecting with others. 🎨 Working primarily with acrylic and charcoal, Wasiu explores human connection and resilience through his signature silhouette figures. His work reflects shared experiences, challenges, and emotions — reminding us that, regardless of background, we all stem from the same roots. 💬 Hear Wasiu discuss the meaning behind his technique, the challenges of reaching new audiences, and why staying focused is essential for any artist building their path. — Follow Wasiu Eshinlokun 📸 / https://www.instagram.com/eshinlokunwasiu Connect with THE.CCART 📸 / https://www.instagram.com/the.ccart 🌍 https://www.theccart.com

In this candid interview, Nigerian artist Jayeola Joshua opens up about his journey from childhood sketches on the backs of calendars to becoming a painter exploring culture, self-identity and personal experience. 🎨 Known for weaving powerful symbolism into his work, Joshua often uses the colour red to express themes of passion, determination and strength. His practice reflects deep cultural values and his evolving identity as an artist. 💬 Hear how studying at Yaba College of Technology shaped his foundation, the story behind one of his most meaningful works Jacob’s Blessing, and why he believes in the audacity to dream big, even through moments of self-doubt. — Follow Jayeola Joshua 📸 https://www.instagram.com/jayeola_joshua_art Connect with THE.CCART 📸 / the.ccart 🌍 https://www.theccart.com — ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 01:03 – Joshua’s journey into art 03:08 – Moments that shaped him as an artist 04:21 – What keeps him committed 05:10 – Describing his art style 06:05 – Inside his creative process 07:34 – A meaningful artwork: Jacob’s Blessing 08:30 – Challenges as an artist 09:42 – Advice for aspiring artists

In this inspiring interview, Nigerian visual artist Obiwuru Esther shares her journey into the art world, from an unexpected beginning at university to establishing herself as a dedicated full-time artist. 🎨 Known for her striking portraits of African women, Obiwuru draws inspiration from traditional hairstyles and cultural essence, using bold patterns and rich shades of red to celebrate identity, strength and beauty. ⚠️ Correction: The caption should refer to 'adire', not red patterns. — Follow Obiwuru Esther 📸 https://www.instagram.com/estherobiwuru_art/ Connect with THE.CCART 📸 https://www.instagram.com/the.ccart 🌍 https://www.theccart.com — ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:15 – Obiwuru’s journey into art 00:54 – Moments that shaped her as an artist 01:40 – What keeps her committed 02:18 – Describing her art style 02:56 – A meaningful artwork: Lady from the South 03:53 – Inside her creative process 04:34 – Biggest challenges as an artist 05:05 – Advice for aspiring artists

In this moving interview, Nigerian portrait artist Damilare Jamiu Kanyinsola shares his incredible journey from drawing comics as a child to developing his own practice that celebrates Black identity, mental well-being and cultural beauty. 🎨 Known for his vibrant, emotionally rich portraiture, Damilare reflects on artistic growth, personal loss, mentorship and the challenges facing Nigerian artists today. 💬 Hear how he navigated moments of depression during the 2020 pandemic, what keeps him committed to his practice and the deep personal meaning behind his most treasured work, Allegory of Memories. — Follow Damilare Jamiu 📸 https://www.instagram.com/damilare_jamiu_kanyin Connect with THE.CCART 📸 https://www.instagram.com/the.ccart 🌍 https://www.theccart.com — ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:59 – Damilare’s art journey begins 04:05 – A moment that shaped him 05:34 – What keeps him committed 06:21 – Describing his art style 08:57 – A meaningful artwork: Allegory of Memories 11:12 – Inside his creative process 14:42 – Biggest challenge as a Nigerian artist 18:02 – Future plans and dreams 18:53 – Advice to aspiring artists 21:27 – Why mentorship matters 22:00 – Final thoughts #art #artist #contemporaryart #figurativeart #blackartist #nigerianart #THECCART