Bridging Cultures Through Art!
Not all artistic journeys follow a linear path. For Toronto-based artist Segun Caezar, the creative route has been one of exploration and evolution. Beginning with a meticulous focus on realism, Segun has embarked on a captivating exploration of cubism, a shift that beautifully reflects the desire to challenge traditional perspectives and celebrate their vibrant Nigerian heritage.
Tell us about your journey as an artist. How has being Toranto-based enabled you to reach out to global audience?
Based in Toronto, my journey as an artist has been marked by continual growth and exploration. Beginning with a passion for realism, I've refined my skills and developed a unique artistic voice. Toronto's vibrant arts scene and diverse community have provided ample opportunities to showcase my work locally, fostering recognition and establishing a strong foundation. Moreover, Toronto's cultural prominence has facilitated connections with fellow artists, galleries, and institutions, enabling collaborations and broader exposure. Through exhibitions, networking, and online platforms, I've shared my art globally, bridging geographical gaps and connecting with audiences who resonate with my creative vision.
They say you’re born creative, but education and practice hone and tone talent into a profession. What is your educational background?
I'm primarily a self-taught artist, having delved into independent exploration and hands-on experience to hone my craft. Although I haven't pursued formal art education, I've dedicated extensive time to studying techniques, experimenting with mediums, and seeking inspiration from diverse sources. My journey as an artist has been defined by trial and error, self-directed learning, and a constant quest for artistic evolution. This approach has cultivated a distinct style and perspective that embodies my personal journey and creative vision.
How do you find the balance between honouring your artistic influences from Africa while still expressing your unique voice and perspective?
Balancing my Nigerian artistic influences with my personal voice is an ongoing journey of self-discovery. While I honor the rich traditions of Nigerian art, I also strive to infuse my work with my unique experiences and perspectives. By incorporating traditional motifs and themes in a contemporary context, I pay tribute to my heritage while expressing my individuality. This balance allows me to create art that resonates with both my cultural roots and my personal expression, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation.
Your artistic journey transitioned from realism to minimalism. What inspired this change, and how has it impacted your creative process and storytelling?
"My artistic journey has involved a transition from realism to cubism, although I still incorporate both styles in my work. I draw inspiration from each style to enrich and inform the other. The shift towards cubism was ignited by my desire to challenge traditional notions of form and perspective and to explore new ways of representing reality. This change has significantly impacted my creative process, encouraging experimentation, abstraction, and a deeper exploration of geometric shapes, space, and fragmentation. While realism allows me to capture the details of the world around me with precision, cubism gives me the freedom to deconstruct and reinterpret reality in a more dynamic and abstract way. This interplay between the two styles has expanded my artistic vocabulary and storytelling capabilities, allowing me to convey narratives that are both visually compelling and intellectually engaging.
Despite employing simple shapes, every artwork of yours packs a powerful emotional punch. How do you achieve this depth of feeling with minimalist elements?
I appreciate your recognition of the emotional depth in my minimalist artworks. Despite using simple shapes, I aim to evoke profound emotions through careful composition, colour selection, and symbolism. By distilling complex feelings into essential elements, I create a visual language that resonates deeply with viewers. Through the strategic arrangement of shapes, manipulation of negative space, and juxtaposition of colours, I establish mood, atmosphere, and narrative that transcend minimalist aesthetics. Ultimately, it's the interaction between the viewer and the artwork that imbues it with meaning and emotion, inviting interpretation and reflection.
You leave space for individual interpretation in your artwork. What role does audience engagement play in your creative process and the final meaning of your art?
Audience engagement is crucial to my creative process. By allowing room for individual interpretation, I encourage viewers to actively participate in shaping the meaning of my art. Their diverse perspectives enrich the dialogue surrounding each piece, adding layers of depth and nuance beyond my initial intention.
How is it being an artist in Tornoto, Canada? Is there a lot of competition? How do you feel your skills and talent stand out from the rest?
As an artist based in Toronto, Canada, I find my work both exciting and challenging. On one hand, the city's dynamic arts scene provides numerous opportunities for exposure and collaboration. On the other hand, there is also a fair bit of competition to contend with. However, I strongly believe that competition drives creativity and motivates artists to constantly strive for excellence. Moreover, my ability to seamlessly blend my Nigerian heritage with contemporary techniques allows me to create art that is both unique and resonates with a wide audience.
Who are some prominent artists or movements that inspire you, and how does their work influence your own?
Some several artists and movements have influenced my work and have left a distinctive mark on my artistic journey. Kehinde Wiley's colourful portraits have challenged traditional notions of power and representation, inspiring me to infuse my own work with a sense of cultural identity and empowerment. Tim Okamura's dynamic urban realism resonates with me, encouraging me to explore the intersection of identity, community, and contemporary life in my art.
David Hockney's exploration of colour, space, and perspective has influenced my approach to composition and visual storytelling, while Picasso's revolutionary cubist techniques have inspired me to experiment with abstraction and fragmentation. By drawing inspiration from these diverse sources, I continually push the boundaries of my creativity, honing my skills and refining my artistic vision.
What advice do you have for young Indian artists or designers striving to make a meaningful impact through their work?
Stay authentic to your vision, experiment freely, and let your creativity flow from within. Your genuine expression will naturally connect with others and make a meaningful impact.
If you could collaborate with an Indian artist or designer, who would it be and why? What kind of project would you envision creating together?
If given the opportunity to collaborate with an Indian artist or designer, my top choice would be Bharti Kher. Her interdisciplinary approach to art, focusing on identity, feminism, and cultural heritage, deeply inspires me. I envision co-creating an installation that delves into the confluence of our cultural roots, blending traditional and modern methods to spark conversations on migration, belonging, and cultural fusion.
