Interview: Fiyin Koko on Her “Water Me” Exhibition And Empowering Black Women Through Art

Born in 1994, Fiyin Koko Tunde-Onadele is a Nigerian multidisciplinary artist whose work is inspired by nature, all facets of womanism and her vivid dreams. Fiyin Koko expresses feminine resilience in a whimsical, often humorous and genial style. Grounded in six guiding pillars—womanism, conversation, body positivity, movement, love, and femininity—she constantly seeks to interpret these pillars in everyday life, seamlessly blending the essence of fantasy, ‘artivism,’ and her dreams to weave captivating narratives. Through her mixed media paintings, sculptures, photography, and digital illustrations, Fiyin Koko employs a masterful interplay of blue hues and bold color palettes. This artistic approach imparts a harmonious aesthetic that deepens her fondness for and celebration of the black woman. Her work serves as a testament to the strength, beauty, and stories that lie within, while fostering a sense of empowerment and appreciation. 

Fiyin Koko’s latest exhibition, Water Me is a collection of paintings featuring oil, acrylic and mixed media, as well as digital prints and ceramic sculptures. Navigating surrealism and reality, dreams and memories, the exhibition explores themes of growth, womanism, conversation, body positivity, movement, love, and femininity. Curated by Ugonna Ibe, the exhibition runs from December 10th – January 7th at Yenwa Gallery, Lagos Nigeria. Featuring 24 works across diverse mediums, Fiyin Koko intertwines personal narratives of evolution, womanhood, connection and spirituality as she ushers the viewers into her dreamlike world.

The paintings & digital works feature blue hues, symbolizing serenity, contemplation and in parts depression & loneliness, juxtaposed with vibrant yellows and oranges, representing resilience and the warmth of hope, creating a visual dialogue of emotions. The exhibition also features a fountain installation that invites participation and symbolizes communal interaction. The glazed ceramics pay homage to the molding traditions of Benin city yet a contemporary aesthetic.

Below are excerpts of our conversation with the artist.

What personal experiences or moments in your life inspired the themes of growth and nurturing in ‘Water Me’?

“Water Me” is deeply intertwined with my personal journey and pivotal moments in my life. The theme of growth emerged organically from my own evolution, serving as a canvas for self-reflection. Nurturing, in the context of the exhibition, reflects the various influences and support systems that have shaped my identity as an artist.

The metaphor of water, essential for growth, stems from both literal and symbolic aspects. From tears shed during challenging times to the vessels that carry life-giving water, every element in the exhibition is a tribute to the nurturing power of the essential liquid.

How does your art express the ideas of womanism, body positivity, and love? Can you show us some examples from your work?

Womanism, body positivity, and love are 3 of the 6 guiding pillars of my art.the other three are conversation, femininity and movement. I like to interpret these pillars, blending the essence of dreams or fantasy.

Womanism, to me, is about empowering black women,this is reflected in the heroines I depict, liberated from societal expectations and norms. Body positivity, another foundational theme, manifests through the diverse representations of women in my art. I challenge conventional beauty standards, portraying bodies with all their unique shapes, and sizes.

Love is however a more pervasive force throughout my work, encompassing self-love, sisterhood, and the broader concept of love for humanity. Whether it’s the tender moments shared between figures, the empowerment of women, or the connections depicted, love forms the emotional core of my creations.

 Love is not just a theme because in reality I think love is the meaning of life!

Why did you choose the title ‘Water Me’ for your exhibition, and what do you hope people feel or think when they hear it?

I hoped at first thought, it would lead people to ask questions – about what it meant and then find the answers by attending the exhibition.

I wanted people to sense a connection to their own growth journey, prompt introspection, a reflection on the nurturing aspects in their lives, and a consideration of what contributes to personal development. It’s an invitation to recognize the significance of life experiences in the ongoing process of becoming. 

You mentioned using different colors to convey emotions. Can you tell us more about how you decide on colors for your artworks and what they mean to you?Absolutely, colors are integral to my artistic expression. I view colors as a language, a way to communicate emotions, experiences, and narratives without uttering a single word. Each hue carries a unique energy and symbolism. For instance, the predominant use of blue in my works is not arbitrary. Blue, to me, represents the dreamlike, the ethereal, and the profound. It’s a color associated with depth, calmness, and introspection. When I want to convey a sense of nostalgia, dreams, or the intangible, blue becomes my storyteller.

On the other hand, I love working with colors that complement blue, warm colors like orange and yellow which often symbolize vitality. These hues become prominent when I want to infuse energy and optimism into the narrative.

Although I like playing around with colors, the decision on what i use is an intuitive process, influenced by the emotion or story I aim to convey. I believe that the palette of a piece should resonate with its underlying message, creating a visual tale that enhances the emotional impact on the viewer.

The blue woman and yellow stool are intriguing. What’s the story behind these recurring elements in your art?

Blue woman represents our true self! She embodies the ethereal, the dreamlike, and the introspective. She is a representation of the soul, navigating through the complexities of life. This recurring character serves as a guide through the narratives, inviting viewers to explore their inner worlds and dreams.

The yellow stool on the other hand, represents a journal that I once owned that housed a lot of my dreams and prayers.. It’s not merely an object; it’s a witness to prayers, a repository of tears, and a silent confidant. The stool, with its asymmetrical legs, embodies the idea that balance can be found in imperfections. It symbolizes resilience, as it continues to stand even in the face of emotional weight.

 Both symbolic in my personal story of growth.

The fountain installation sounds fascinating. How do you imagine people interacting with it, and what kind of feelings do you want it to evoke?

I wanted to bring about hope in the very gloomy world we’re living in. 

The interactive nature of the fountain, where visitors plant seeds and make wishes, transforms it into a conduit for various emotions. Whether it’s a solemn moment of reflection, a prayerful act, or a joyful expression of hope, the fountain becomes a shared space where people can connect with their aspirations. In a world often shrouded in uncertainty, the fountain stands as a beacon of optimism and a tangible symbol of the power of collective dreaming.

Your sculptural pieces pay tribute to Benin city’s traditions. Can you share how this cultural influence has shaped your art and who you are as an artist?

My journey to Benin City in January was a transformative experience that left an indelible mark on my artistic identity. The city, with its rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions, served as a wellspring of inspiration and laid a foundation for what i like to create

The old works and the beauty of sculpting from bygone eras captivated me. The trip fueled a desire to delve deeper into traditional techniques, and it’s reflected in the sculptural pieces created for “Water Me.” 

The influence  is not just seen in the forms and techniques but has become an integral part of who I am as an artist. It has added layers of cultural richness to my work, enhancing the storytelling aspect and creating a bridge between ancient traditions and modern expressions.

Tell us about some of the relationships or experiences that have had a big impact on your artistic journey and why they were important to you.”

Encounters with key figures in the art world have been pivotal to my artistic journey. Meeting Mr. Lemi Ghariokwu and Ms. Peju Alatise stands out as profoundly influential experiences. Mr. Ghariokwu’s iconic album covers for Fela Kuti and Ms. Alatise’s thought-provoking installations have been touchstones for me. The time spent with these artists, learning their wisdom and insights, has left an enduring impact, shaping my perspective and approach to art.

Equally vital are the connections forged with my creative friends and peers. Engaging in open conversations and collaborative endeavors with friends who share a passion for art has been a continuous wellspring of inspiration. These relationships foster an environment of growth, where we challenge each other to push boundaries and learn from diverse perspectives. The collective energy of these creative alliances is a force that constantly waters my artistic evolution.-

In the end, what message or impression do you want your audience to take home after experiencing ‘Water Me’?

‘Hope’ is the short answer.

As humans, the perennial wonder of what comes next unfolds through each circle, giving hope that the next one is a part of life’s grand plan. My wish is that people journey through this exhibition, immerse themselves in the sweet currents of life, and be able to embrace the transformative power of dreams and participate in a shared narrative—a narrative that flows, evolves, and, like water, gives life.