This spotlight features Peju Alatise. Peju Alatise is an interdisciplinary artist, architect and author. Alatise’s work has explored exploitative labour practices in Nigeria, child rights with a focus on young girls, state-sanctioned violence against citizens, and deadly migration practices. Alatise has exhibited her work in numerous countries around the world, including the 2014 Casablanca biennale in Morocco, and the Cooper Gallery for African and African American art Harvard University in 2017.
The sculptress and poet creates pieces that call for the liberty of young Nigerian women and, in her way, boldly addresses the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals of gender equality and peace and justice.
A brief bio
I am a visual artist from Nigeria. Currently, I am setting up a new studio and artist residency in Glasgow. Recently, my works lean more into ancient storytelling traditions and crafting alternative social imageries, using (but not limited to) Yoruba cosmology.
What time does your alarm go off?
Sometimes 6:30 am
What does your morning look like?
Hectic with domestic chores.
How did you get into this career path?
I never got into this career path, I just naturally grew into my practice from a rather young age.
Tell us what a typical day looks like
At the moment, I am setting up a new practice in a different country so my days are not what you would call typical. I should be able to have a better answer one year from now when lockdowns are a thing of the past.
Can you share some of your most memorable moments?
I worry that I am becoming forgetful, it takes quite an effort to conjure up memories. With regards to my career, it would probably be the day my dad acknowledged my work and the importance of what I do. It was one of his last lucid moments with me.
My work takes me on a enlightening journey of discoveries, I am allowed a better understanding of myself and the world around me. I love that I am able to manifest other dimensions into what we as humans can experience
What do you love the most about your job?
My job takes me on an enlightening journey of discoveries. I am allowed a better understanding of myself and the world around me. I love that I am allowed to manifest other dimensions into what we as humans can experience.
What do you not like about your job?
Foolish people, paperwork, taxes.
What do you do after work?
I used to go to sleep and dream, but now I suffer from insomnia.
What do you do at the weekends?
These days? Domestic chores.
What does societal change mean to you?
This is a vague question. Too broad to answer.
What are your thoughts on what the creative sector can do?
Influence the masses.
If you were not doing what you are now doing, what career will you be in?
I used to want to be Michael Jackson’s back-up dancer. Now I have dodgy knees I realise that I have done, and can do anything I want.
The creative sector can influence the masses