91抖阴

Firstly, how did you come to create these artworks for Black History Month?

It is something I have been wanting to do for a while and to see it finally happening is rather interesting in the sense that it has made me detached from reality. Creativity does that to you. But none the less it is an interesting journey. To hear that my work has been seen by a lot of people makes me grateful.

What did you want to convey in your BHM illustrations? What do you want the viewer to feel when they see your images?

I wanted to portray truth and honesty among people – it is all about masculinity and how I see it. To me art is more about how it makes you feel rather than what you see and I hope people have the same understanding when they view my work.

Timothy Sessanga

Coconut Oil by Timothy Sessanga

Where did you get inspiration for the artworks?

Earlier this year in June, I had my second exhibition at a bar in Hastings (On The Rocks) titled ‘The Calla Lily Monologue’ which focused on femininity and feminism. This later inspired me to create ‘Colours. Darks. Whites’ which focuses on masculinity.

My inspiration comes from everywhere. Books, music, people, the world basically. I think to myself, “How can I find inspiration without stressing?” The answer is: by doing nothing, because nothing is truthful. That is where my inspiration comes from.

With artists I tend not to pick from their work but rather observe the artists themselves. Frida Kahlo, Gustav Klimt & Jean-Michael Basquiat are the artists that caught my attention.  

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Solange’s recent album (A Seat At The Table) is exactly what Black History Month means to me. Please listen to it.

What advice would you give to students who are considering studying an arts subject at the university?

Just believe and create, because, eventually, everything connects.

Coffee Cherry by Timothy Sessanga