Nigerian creative Anthony Azekwoh, is a ball of talents, excelling in writing, drawing and various other forms of creating art. Famous for the viral Redman art piece, he sat in an interview with Dominic of 49th Street earlier on in the year, as we discussed the GenZ creator, his art and versions of him you might not know about.
How early/late did you discover your talent?
ANTHONY AZEKWOH: It depends. With writing, I had been writing since I was like 13, and that’s what people predominantly knew me for. In 2016 I started drawing and posting, but it wasn’t that great, and people were wondering what I was doing. So, with art and all that, I would say 2016. So about 7 years now.
Do you feel pressure when creating a piece? to always measure up to the quality of standard you have created for yourself?
ANTHONY AZEKWOH: After Redman went viral in 2020, there was pressure because there was a need to keep the fire. However, after a year of being under that pressure, I just let go and kept doing stuff that I liked. Like when I started 3D, a lot of people weren’t really vibing with it, but for me, it was about breaking out of the habit of doing things for the public. So, yes, there used to be pressure, but now there is not much.
How long has the Witches of Auchi been in the works?
ANTHONY AZEKWOH: I have been working on it for like 4 years. Sometimes I would just write some things and keep them in my hard drive. As of right now, I have about 6 books chilling. The problem, for me, has just been rolling it out in a way that I like because, in my head, it’s a Web series, and getting funds and capital to run something like that is really high. I am, however, taking it little by little though.
Do you feel any different when creating different forms of art?
ANTHONY AZEKWOH: Funny enough, when I am doing the different forms of art I engage in, I really don’t feel anything. It feels natural, and that’s the best thing. It’s when I am not doing them that I feel weird.
You did some sculptures for Jae5. Which other celebrities (that you can mention) have you done art for?
ANTHONY AZEKWOH: Blaqbonez-sex over love cover, Adekunle Gold- AG Baby (2020), Show Dem Camp, Simi – Woman cover. I stopped doing music commission work for a while, though.
What do you do when you’re not creating?
ANTHONY AZEKWOH: I am trying to fix that now because, for a long time, it has always been routine to create, and that’s not a normal way to live. Right now, I am trying to read more and watch more shows/movies.
How much did you sell your first-ever piece of art? And how much (to date) is the most expensive art you’ve ever spent?
ANTHONY AZEKWOH: There was a time I did a music commission for an American artist, and he paid me $60, and that was big money that time. Right now, with the Red Man, it’s like $25k; with the sculpture is about $40k, but I don’t really like talking about the figures because it’s like an unrealistic standard. I am happy about the collection, not because of the amount, but because it is being appreciated.
How do you draw inspiration normally? Do you have a routine?
ANTHONY AZEKWOH: I don’t have a routine. The more I think about it, the less the inspiration. It just takes patience and keying into the bits as it comes.
Walk us through a typical workday for you.
ANTHONY AZEKWOH: Ideally, reading, sculpting and stuff. Life gets in the way sometimes, though. So, what I do now is set tasks and try to accomplish them within the day. Tasks vary as the days come by.
Do you feel like the naming of art is just as important as the creative process of making art?
ANTHONY AZEKWOH: Absolutely. The name itself is part of advertising and marketing because it helps people understand the work.
Any collaborations or exhibitions to expect soon?
ANTHONY AZEKWOH: Yes, 2023 will be great. Anticipate.
You’re a very Gen-Z-focused artist, what’s your message to your generation?
ANTHONY AZEKWOH: Take time out to learn again because the world is changing rapidly. Keep building yourself and get better skills.
