At a recent event that gathered creatives, and professionals from the tech and development sector, we discussed the emotions and sources of comfort that sustain us during uncertain and challenging times. The timing was particularly apt, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month in May, a reminder of our shared humanity and the importance of caring for our emotional well-being.
What struck me during our discussion was the number of references to various forms of art and the creative process. Many of us shared how engaging with art, whether through creating it ourselves or appreciating the work of others, serves as a source of comfort.
It has long been recognised that art is a powerful tool for healing whether it’s painting, music, writing, or anything else creative, art can make us feel understood and help us deal with our feelings. Art serves as a medium for self-expression when words fail us. It allows individuals to externalise their inner turmoil, fears, and emotions in a tangible form. Through art, people can explore and process their feelings, gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences.
I went to an art exhibition in August hosted by DART Stage. There, I came across Osima Lawani’s artworks. The “Trippy Summer” collection explored the themes of self-reflection, existential crisis, and self-discovery. The pieces captured the struggles many young people face today. From figuring out who they are to achieving their goals, and dealing with worries about the future, especially triggering anxiety.
I was grieving when I attended this exhibition, her series deeply resonated with my emotional journey. Each piece perfectly captured the lows I was experiencing, but the final piece filled me with hope and a sense of resolution.
The series begins with a painting titled “I am feeling disjointed.” In this painting, the character’s head is separated from the body, which shows someone feeling disconnected from reality, which is the first stage of grief. The colours are bright and bold, representing the initial burst of emotions. In “Conversation” the second painting in the collection, the subject is experiencing anxiety and internal conflict, which is the second stage of grief. The vibrant colours might reflect the intensity of these conflicting emotions, with contrasting shades showing the turmoil within
In the third piece, “The Shit I Saw in the Mirror”, the subject begins to accept their experience, representing the third stage of grief. The vibrant colours might symbolise newfound positivity and acceptance, with warmer tones conveying a sense of inner peace. This piece, “I’m Everywhere and Nowhere” reminded me of an Oscar awarded film I had seen Everything Everywhere All at Once. The piece captured the overwhelming wave of emotions after accepting the situation, representing the fourth stage of grief. Lastly, “The Calm” this artwork shows the subject returning to a sense of tranquillity, representing the fifth stage of grief. This piece reminded me of how much I loved looking at clear and beautiful skies
In Conversation with Osima Lawani: Exploring Complex Feelings through Art
Osima is a visual artist and illustrator who draws inspiration from human emotions and experiences. With a background in psychology, she uses art to explore themes of self-discovery, existentialism, mental health, and self-acceptance. Her vibrant, acrylic-on-canvas works aim to promote constructive discussions on these complex topics. Osima is self-taught and often incorporates digital techniques into her art. She has created visual storytelling projects for major organizations and has showcased her work at various exhibitions, including those at the Dolapo Obat Gallery, Orisun Art Gallery, and Leora Nigeria. Her art can be seen on Instagram at @artbyosima
Please tell us about your artistic journey and what inspires your work.
Osima: Thank you for having me. My journey as an artist has been deeply personal. I’ve always been interested in the complexities of human emotion and how we navigate through life’s challenges. I’m a very emotional person; I’m the kind of person who deeply feels and absorbs emotions, carrying them with me wherever I go. To cope, I channel these feelings into the work I do, using it as a way to express myself.
Your collection at the DART Stage exhibition resonated deeply with me, offering a sense of hope and healing. I’m curious, what sort of responses have you received from others who have viewed your works?
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Osima: I have had many instances where people express how my paintings made them feel. Often, they’ll say things like, “This is just what I needed,” or “It really made me feel something,” or “I love the story behind this.”
There was even a moment when someone confessed to crying after seeing one of my pieces. I couldn’t quite grasp it at first, but I suppose it deeply touched them. Each person takes away something different, but my aim with my work is for everyone to find meaning in it, better understand their emotions, and just naturally relate to them because the themes are common human emotions.
Your artwork often revolves around emotions or feelings that are typically not spoken about, and I appreciate how you incorporate vibrant colours. Is there a specific reason behind your choice of bright colours in your pieces?
Osima: I consider my paintings to be the most colourful thing in my life. Normally, I love dark and neutral colours in my day-to-day life. However, in my art, colour serves as a means of imbuing personality. While I do make an effort to maintain darker hues, I’ve found that bright colours add a certain edge and vibrancy to my work that gives life and hope.
Now I want to talk about the characters in your paintings. What does the character represent? Are viewers meant to identify with it or is there a particular story behind each character?
Osima: The character was inspired by an artist and a director I like. I call the character “My Friend.” In a way, “My Friend” serves as an extension of my subconscious. You know how when we were younger, we had imaginary friends. This is how the character came about. Initially, this figure existed as a dark presence in my mind.
It wasn’t until a conversation with a friend, who emphasized the importance of artists having a distinct identity or style, that I gave form to “My Friend.” Drawing inspiration from artists like Tim Burton, I watched a lot of his movies growing up and I like how he creates characters that are strange and unusual, but in his way, it is just really cool. Tim’s characters are big on the eyes, and I also love eyes, so I gave the character big eyes and I brought ‘my friend’ to life. I still have the first painting.
Since then, I have used ‘my friend’ to portray my emotions through my paintings. While the character reflects aspects of myself in my work, I leave it open for viewers to interpret and relate to as they see fit. If they find themselves in “My Friend,” it’s entirely up to their interpretation.
Do you view your paintings or the creative process as a sanctuary? And what types of art bring you comfort?
Osima: Growing up, I used to love the cartoons. I used to doodle cartoon characters like Dexter Laboratory and Powerpuff Girls in class. However, I drifted away from it for a while. When I rediscovered my interest, it coincided with a period of heartbreak in my life. Art brought me peace during this time. At first, it was a form of therapy for me, still is. I would wake up every Sunday to draw at least one thing, and I started enjoying it.
Then, during Christmas, my best friend gifted me with a canvas and art supplies to encourage me. This was a rebirth of my passion for the arts. And then I just started painting. Every single time I paint something, it is like everything is silent. I am not bothered about anything. I am not bothered about what I am feeling. I am not bothered about what I am going through. It is like it is just me and that painting, and in moments like that, I feel complete. When I am done, it feels like I have left all my problems on the canvas.
Aside from painting and drawing, I really love listening to music. I am obsessed with sad music, and I love the tears that come with it. I always tell people if I can’t cry to it, I can’t listen to it.
When it comes to movies, I love love. I love romantic movies and Studio Ghibli animes. I feel like every parent out there should let their kids watch Studio Ghibli movies. I love how they portray characters there.
I also love abstract paintings. I am always in awe of strange paintings and the story behind them. I love all forms of art and the level of comfort they can bring.
Just like how painting brings you peace, consuming various forms of art brings me healing. Osima’s exhibition reminded me of the stages of grief and how everything has a beginning and an end. It was comforting to be reminded of this through art and to see healing from a different angle.
Artists like Osima Lawani beautifully capture the essence of human experience through her work, exploring the complexities of human emotion, guiding viewers through the stages, and leading them towards healing and hope offering a sense of solace and understanding.
It’s important to remember that it’s okay to feel a certain way, and there’s no right or wrong way to process emotions. By allowing ourselves to engage with the arts in its various forms, we can appreciate the diverse perspectives it offers, we can find healing and acceptance in our journeys.
