Self Love I, oil on linen, 2024.
When compared to other art forms, portraiture is arguably one of the most intimate.
This exchange is whatOsimeh Godstandseeks throughout his own practice.
“Self Love I,” oil on linen, 2024.
For Godstand, this is precisely the point.
These themes are particularly salient for Godstand, given his position as a contemporary African artist.
Thats what my work is trying to do.
“Solitude I,” oil on linen, 2023.
My Modern Met had the chance to speak with Osimeh Godstand about his creative practice and thematic underpinnings.
Read on for our exclusive interview with the artist.
Solitude I, oil on linen, 2023.
“CMS 1n 9ths,” oil on card, 2023.
CMS 1n 9ths, oil on card, 2023.
Its funny how things turn out.
I never really planned on being a painter.
“Finding Peace,” oil on linen, 2024.
It was like something inside me needed to get out.
When I finally got the chance to actually study art, it just clicked.
Ive also become more comfortable with complex compositions, tackling those bigger canvases.
“The Rose,” oil on linen, 2024.
Its been a journey.
Finding Peace, oil on linen, 2024.
The Rose, oil on linen, 2024.
“Solitude III,” oil on linen, 2024.
What is the relationship between you and the subjects you paint?
Solitude III, oil on linen, 2024.
Lagos Island cms, oil on linen, 2023.
“Lagos Island cms,” oil on linen, 2023.
Are there visual themes that you find yourself returning to time and again?
Thinking about my work, its funny how certain things just reoccur.
I guess you could say my art keeps circling back to a few key visuals.
“Bounded by Amity II,” oil on linen, 2024.
First off: emotional states.
I mean, thats the whole point, right?
Trying to capture those messy, unspoken feelings.
“Self Love II,” oil on linen, 2024.
Its like Im constantly drawn to the way people feel and about telling about my life-hood and my environment.
Im always telling these narratives, you know?
Stories of people, their struggles, their beauty.
“A Sunday Morning,” oil on card, 2024.
Ive also got this thing with atmospheric and hazy backgrounds.
I use all sorts of tricks to create this kind of dreamy, almost blurred space.
It just feels right, somehow pouring my emotions onto my canvas.
“Solitude II,” oil on linen, 2024.
Of course, there are also the vivid and atmospheric colors.
I just love how oil paints can create these rich, intense hues.
Its like they have a life of their own.
“Lady Shakara I (lady conceit),” oil on linen, 2022.
Those are the things I keep coming back to.
Its like theyre part of my artistic DNA.
Bounded by Amity II, oil on linen, 2024.
“Innocent Gaze,” oil on linen, 2023.
Self Love II, oil on linen, 2024.
A Sunday Morning, oil on card, 2024.
Its more about carrying a weight, a responsibility, you know?
“Lady Shakara III (lady conceit),” oil on linen, 2024.
Weve got stories to tell, stories that havent always been heard.
Black culture, African historyits always been about expression, about finding ways to speak even when youre silenced.
Thats what my work is trying to do.
Weve always used art to tell our stories, to fight for our voices.
My work is just another chapter in that story.
Weve got a legacy of resilience, of finding beauty even in the hardest times.
Thats what I want to reflect in my art.
Its about connecting with people on a human level, but also acknowledging the specific experiences we carry.
Solitude II, oil on linen, 2024.
That one was a deep dive into those quiet, internal spaces.
I blurred the background to really focus on the figure, on that sense of isolation.
Then, theresLady Shakara (Lady Conceit).
That one was a bit different, more vibrant, more of a direct commentary on social pressures.
Its a playful, but pointed, look at how societal expectations can create these masks we wear.
TheRed Scarf Serieswas a real exploration of narrative.
Its about weaving those compelling narratives and giving voice to individuals and their journeys.
Lady Shakara I (lady conceit), oil on linen, 2022.
Innocent Gaze, oil on linen, 2023.
What do you hope people will take away from your work?
Honestly, more than anything, I hope people see themselves in my work.
I want them to feel seen and heard, especially those who feel like their voices dont matter.
Thats what Im trying to continue.
Lady Shakara III (lady conceit), oil on linen, 2024.
Do you have any exciting projects coming up this year?
Im really excited about a new project calledA Wish to Be Celebrated.
Its about capturing that yearning for our stories, our contributions, to be acknowledged.
Osimeh Godstand:Instagram
Interview has been edited for length and clarity.
My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Osimeh Godstand.
