Spotlight.
Joshua Ekekwe
INTRODUCTION
Joshua Ekekwe is a British-Nigerian creative, based in Aberdeen, Scotland. A graduate of the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture, Joshua has been working in the creative sphere as an artist, illustrator, and graphic designer since 2016. As a graphic designer, Joshua has a passion for and focus on visual storytelling, brand design, print, and UI/UX.
In his art practice, Joshua focuses on reflective portraiture that explores the themes of identity, community and cultural legacy. He has recently exhibited his artwork at Aberdeen Music Hall, and his work has also been included within Aberdeen Art Gallery’s official collection
INTERVIEW
How did you get into your creative practice? What initially inspired you?
I got into creating art really young, I’d say, since I was around three years old. I was definitely inspired by my mum, who is no slouch at drawing herself. I always had a love for animals and owned a wildlife encyclopedia growing up. This left me with a love of drawing animals and fantastical creatures, and as I grew up, I developed a passion for drawing and painting people, telling stories and capturing moments in time. I also continued my creative journey, becoming a freelance graphic designer whilst studying Architecture at RGU, and have worked with brands and organisations such as Canon and Hobbycraft.
In 2020, during lockdown, I started experimenting with digital art and haven’t looked back. The highlight of this period of my creative journey has been being commissioned by We are Here Scotland for my debut exhibition, “The Diaspora Everyday, as well as a collaboration with Hobbycraft during Black History month.
What themes do you tend to interrogate in your creative practices?
I tend to integrate everyday moments into my work, focusing on culture and interpersonal relationships. For example, my work with WAHS entitled “The Diaspora Everyday” explored, the somewhat ordinary moments in life that connect those in Aberdeen’s many diasporas back to their homelands. I see both Art and Design as great ways to tell stories and platform ideas.
What is your favourite project you’ve ever worked on and why?
My favourite project artistically has been my recent work with Aberdeen Art Gallery, titled “Sports Day”.These two paintings explored the pressure faced by second-generation immigrants, raised in and balancing two vastly different cultural experiences. This experience was explored through the lens of Sports Day, a universal experience for most within the UK.
My favourite project as a graphic designer has been my recent branding work for the restaurant Grills n Grains, based in Essex, England. It was fun to get hands-on and develop a brand alongside the owners.
What advice would you have for creatives of colour looking to get into your creative practices?
I would say to keep going. No matter how slow things seem to be going, opportunities can come in a flash, so it’s important to keep positive and produce what you love. You never know who your work might reach.
What are you currently working on?
At the moment, I’m working on some more branding work for clients and preparing for a painting series exploring masculinity.