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Segun Adeniyi and Art You Can Wear

Thursday, 29 May 2008

Artistic prowess? You can’t take it away from Olusegun Adeniyi. Choose any media; fabric, colour, paper, canvas... For him, Art is a way of life, a fact which is remarkably evident in his designs. Segun has been into art for a while. Somewhere along the line, his art became wearable.

Segun Adeniyi

A visual artist and fashion designer, Segun discovered his creative flair at age four, with support from parents who provided coloured pencils and drawing book. The drive that pushed Segun to paint with pencils on drawing books as a teenager, years later metamorphosed to an NCE certificate in Fine and applied arts and a Bachelor of arts degree in Painting, from the University of Benin. Currently working from his studio in Abeokuta, from where he services clients home and abroad, Segun speaks on his work and more.

How did you get into clothes designing? When did it all start?

I started as a painter, a visual artist. It’s been my interest to make my aesthetic designs and art functional, make it accessible and affordable to all. That led me into fashion. My first design was in 2003 for my old female friend, Umas. I designed a dress for her as a gift. That was my EXODUS into Fashion designing.

How does the inspiration for your designs come?

I draw inspiration from nature, especially my immediate environment, movies,magazines, everywhere. Sources of my inspirations are unlimited it’s just for me to open my mind to it.

What is the most interesting aspect of your job? And the worst?

For Painting, it’s cool to see the finished work but the beginning could be tiring and frustrating. For the Fashion work, it is the printing; I love and enjoy printing on fabric. I do not really flow much with the tie and dye stuff. I have a friend that handles that aspect most times. He is my partner, his name is Adeoye daCosta.

Wearable Art

How would you describe your style of art?

It’s modern with a frill of ethnicity. My works are embodiment of quality, creativity, and originality. For me, fashion goes beyond just clothing; it is an art work with the embellishment of the hand printed artistic designs on the fabric. I call it wearable art. It’s an African thing, and that’s what I project in both my paintings and fashion works. They are meant to promote African cultural heritage and value.

Do you work with only African fabrics?

Yes, fabrics like futua, Africa No 1 to mention just few. I buy them from Itoku market in Abeokuta.

What is your take on the Nigerian fashion industry?

It’s really growing.

Who is your fashion icon?

I admire Nike Oshinowo for her fashion sense.

How do you spend your weekends?

I watch movies. I have a collection of great movies. Thank God for DVD. I love to go for walks, visit great places. I love sightseeing.

Any guilty pleasures?

Men, I can’t tell.

What is your most treasured possession?

My mind. Take away everything from me...my mind will always springs fort great ideas that could earn me valuable rewards.

What's the best piece of advice you've been given?

How would you know you will win if you never try...? Whatever your mind tells you to do, go ahead, no matter what anybody says, no matter the limitations, always follow your mind.

What is your dream for your career?

My dream has always been to reach an famous as an artist. presently, I make designs for AIESEC. I do hope to have fashion outlet in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja to start with in nearest future. It is my dream to see my Paintings Exhibited at the prominent galleries and art fairs of the world and my fashion pieces showcased at the prestigious fashion events in Milan, London, and Paris, Tokyo, and New York City.

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Comments (1)

1. 25-06-2008 13:10

advice

pls sir i am talented in drawing but what battle must is this weather there is any employment in company for someone who read fine&applied art in school as a course without being on ur own.

Written by paul udensi (Guest)

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