“…we are obliged to love people who are important to us because you may never know one day they might be in a situation where you can’t offer that love or care. Even if you do, they may not know you did, and you will be drowned in regrets about why you have not been there when they needed you.”- Opara Courage
- Could you share some information about your art and your journey as an artist?
Opara Courage: “Memories,” as I refer to my painting style, was invented in 2021 after I explored many styles in the early years of my art practice. “Memories” was born out of my personal experiences. My journey as a person and as an artist, the struggles, what I have been through, and where I am today as an individual. These were the driving forces that led to the discovery of “Memories.”
After opening the UNDISCOVERED GROUP ART EXHIBITION, two guests engage three of Opara Courage’s FIVE artworks. UNDISCOVERED GROUP ART EXHIBITION ongoing at Thought Pyramid Art Centre Abuja closes for viewing on August 31st, 2023.
This is my 10 years of professional art practice, counting from the year I graduated in 2012. I have experimented with different styles, ideas, and conversations before I finally discovered my true self in my art career in the form of “Memories” as a better way to translate my stories, ideology, and perspectives through a visual record of expression, and to explore different human emotions and conditions.
“I go researching Ancient symbolism in hopes to bring people to the consciousness of who they are and so far, I have been exhibited in spaces where I could actually do that.”- Faith Omole
“Passion and love for what I do is the driving force as a creative person.”-Opara Courage
Faith Omole: My career grew from my passion for creating intimate moments I never had with my family. My goal was to heal individuals or groups from traumas they might have experienced from their families, just the way painting healed me. Now I discovered there’s so much more to healing others embedded in our African roots than I knew before. So I go researching Ancient symbolism in hopes to bring people to the consciousness of who they are and so far, I have been exhibited in spaces where I could actually do that.
“Just as the chief priests are chosen by the gods, so is the artist.”- Opara Courage
- How does your work align with the theme of the current exhibition?
A guest engaging Faith Omole FIVE artworks at the opening of UNDISCOVERED GROUP ART EXHIBITION Thought Pyramid Art Centre Abuja. Faith Omole and Opara Courage exhibited alongside MrWaduud, Thejuwonlo, Ojenike Oladapo, Gift Osague, Maduka Emmanuel, Nebolisa Kelly, Bella Mfon, and Paschal Ugwu.
Faith Omole: My works are about hidden truths and unknown gems of African heritage. The Adinkra symbols of Ghana are full of wisdom that if valued as part of our history as the holy bible or Quran is, could guide us through to healthy, wholesome lives. African history is stained by stories told by our slave masters. I am dedicated to uncovering the truth and showing the world who the actual Africans were and should be!
Opara Courage: As a contemporary artist, my work discusses our present-day issues and life challenges. I find it interesting to use my artistic skills and intellectual capacity to delve into conversations that affect the lives of individuals and make positive changes through my art. That being said, my work is innovative and thought-provoking, which every audience will find exciting and engaging too.
“African history is stained by stories told by our slave masters. I am dedicated to uncovering the truth and showing to the world who the true Africans were and should be!”- Faith Omole
- Could you provide some details about a couple of the currently exhibited pieces?
Title: What is Love Really? by Faith Omole, Medium: Acrylic on Canvas currently on display at Thought Pyramid Art Centre Abuja Undiscovered Group Art Exhibition which opens until August 31st, 2023.
Faith Omole: My works on display feature a piece that explores the passion in sexuality and four paintings in a series titled “It’s Warmer Here”. These works are made to heal wounds procured from abandonment, broken homes, abuse, … especially stemming from the family. Each single piece explores the intensity of intimacy that can only be found in a family, where you are accepted for who you are while accentuating the relationship of each symbol with the emotions involved.
Opara Courage: I will be there for you 1 is inspired by my personal experience. In my JSS 2, my immediate younger brother had a fatal accident that nearly took away his life. No one who witnessed the scene of the accident believed he would survive. I went to see him in the hospital, on getting to the ward where he was, I barely recognized him, he had been bandaged all over his body, fractured legs, hands, and bruises everywhere, and his two legs hung on POP.
Opara Courage: Tears started rolling down, and no one could stop me from crying. I cried throughout my stay in the hospital. I had this feeling of guilt like I have not been a good brother all these past years. I felt it was my fault that he was in that condition. It was a moment that changed my perspective about family. I never knew I loved my brother that much until that very moment. After that experience, I learned to love people who are very close to me and to love them unconditionally. Show them love and care through my actions, not just words.
So we are obliged to love people who are important to us because you may never know one day they might be in a situation where you can’t offer that love or care. Even if you do, they may not know you did, and you will be drowned in regrets about why you have not been there when they needed you.
Times I Miss You IV originates from such questions as Have you ever missed someone in a way that made you cry? Yes, guilt can make someone cry. Many of us are guilty in one way or another. You don’t know the true value of someone until you lose them.
Time always reveals things. How often do you show up for people who have made sacrifices for you? It could be your parents, your siblings, your partner, your closest friend, or even a colleague at the workplace. People who have stood by your side in difficult times. A day will come, you will look for that person and they will be gone. Always try to show up when people you love are in need of help. That way, you are building an even stronger relationship or friendship with them.
Opara Courage: My Beautiful Years originates from such questions as Why do women cherish their youthful years? It’s because it reminds them of the time they were at their peak in life, young, vibrant, and beautiful. Women love to be young and beautiful even though they are aging. Beauty gives one confidence and comfort. But more importantly, society will continue to admire beauty.
We now ask what is more important than beauty? When successful women look back at their beautiful years, they smile, and two things come to their mind. One is the beautiful memories. Two, escaping the traps that come along with it. This is a food for thought for all the beautiful, vibrant, and intelligent young women of our generation.
- What drives you as an artist living in our society despite the many challenges?
Faith Omole: Mostly, I’m driven my the appalling idea that African are below any other continent. We shouldn’t be here, there’s this drive I have to uncover the power we used to possess and push that it be taught as history in schools.
Opara Courage: Just as the chief priests are chosen by the gods, so is the artist. Is a calling for me to serve humanity through my gift and skill. Passion and love for what I do is the driving force as a creative person. Yes, we know the challenges that come with art practice, especially in this part of the world. That will not stop me from making art because the world needs my story and art to heal.
“Always try to show up when people you love are in need of help. That way, you are building even a stronger relationship or friendship with them.”- Opara Courage
- Could you elaborate further on the methods and materials you use in your artistic process?
It’s Warmer Here V by Faith Omole
Opara Courage: My painting is conceptual and realistic. It sometimes has some surreal elements like the flying pictures. I am mindful of background colors. Most of the time I like a still wall, very much planned without the distraction of brush strokes so as to allow the flying pictures and the one on the wall to catch the attention of the audience. To depict individuals in a moment of reflection and introspection, I have always captured single figures to create a feeling of loneliness. I don’t really have a preference for media, I use every medium to paint, and it depends on what I want to achieve with it. I think acrylic is more suited to my way of applications in this style of ” Memories” because of its fast drying process. Thank you.
“Yes, we know the challenges that come with art practice, especially in this part of the world. That will not stop me from making art because the world needs my story and art to heal.”-Opara courage
Faith Omole:
Opara Courage:
CHANGE TALK TO MONEY PROJECT 