Artist 4
‘The Flight’: Yusuf Grillo’s Painting Shows National Style
An oil on board painting titled The Flight by Yusuf Grillo, one of Nigeria’s foremost artists sold for £62,500 (US$ 82,213) inc. premium. Image: Bonhams Auctions
BY SEAN LEYWES
LONDON- The Flight, oil on board by Yusuf Adebayo Cameron Grillo was sold in 2014 at Bonhams Auctions African Now sale. The painting is an important example of the artist’s work. A major influence for Grillo’s works is Nigerian landscapes and the Yoruba people. His painting reveals the experiences of the people around him.
The Flight depicts a young family in native Yoruba dress, seated on a bicycle. While the man pedals the bicycle, the woman sitting on the bicycle bar gingerly cradles a baby.
Grillo started the painting during the Civil War, a painful period in Nigeria’s history. There was so much killing and maiming during the war. That war inspired The Flight.
The sight of people rushing to escape the Nigerian Civil War was in Grillo’s psych. He likened the forced migration to the flight of the Holy Family from Israel to Egypt. To emphasize that relationship, Grillo included a saw with the couple’s baggage. The saw is a symbol of Joseph’s profession as a carpenter
Done in the scheme of blue, The Flight was done in the style the artist is now well-known for. The elongated figures of the man and woman enhance the urgency to ride away as fast as possible. It brings forth their humanity. Grillo’s deviation from photographic realism rekindles his devotion to the notion of African aesthetics.
About Yusuf Grillo
Yusuf Grillo is one of the most influential Nigerian artists. Born in 1934 in the Brazilian Quarter of Lagos, he studied art at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. After his study in Nigeria, he traveled to the United Kingdom to further his studies.
An artist dedicated to the education of the younger generation, Professor Grillo as he is fondly called, went on to become the Head of Art and Printing at Yaba College of Technology. He retained in that post for over twenty-five years.
While at the head of the Yaba art school, Grillo was also practicing as an artist. He did some important work and received many commissions. His mosaics and stained glass now adorn many churches, universities, and government buildings across Nigeria. About five years ago Professor Grillo won a commission for the Murtala Mohammed International Airport.
In 1958, Grillo with other students at the Ahamadu Bello University, founded the Zaria School. Set up a year before Nigeria’s independence, the group’s mission was to protest the teaching of dominantly Western artistic traditions at the school. The group advocated for a ‘national style’, an aesthetic that combines Western artistic traditions with African traditions. For their success in fostering a change, the group became known as the Zaria Rebels.
Helga Stentzel’s Grazing Animals Made From Old Clothes Are Eye-Opening
Smooothie, one of the grazing animals created by Helga-Stentzel from old cloths. Image courtesy of the artist.
BY SEAN LEYWES
LONDON-Unlike many people who throw their old clothes away, Helga Stentzel keeps hers for her art. The London-based artist uses these clothes to create animals in landscapes and their natural habitats. Stentzel describes her work as Household Surrealism, a coinage she explains comes from spending hours assisting her grandmother in identifying forms on carpets, birch logs, and other objects.
One of her recent works is Smooothie, a cow made from a hoodie, pants, and t-shirt. The cow is situated in a landscape that gives it an air of realism. There is also Pegasus, a horse made from a hoodie, pants, and napkin.
Hang-0n, another work by Helga Stentzel depicts a white polar bear in a landscape with snow. Made from a winter jacket and hat, Hang-0n was recently made to an NFTart to raise money for Trees for the Future (TREES), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping farmers and the preservation of the environment through the planting of trees.
But Stentzel does not use just clothes when creating her works. She uses almost everything around her including papers, fruits, food, and everything else. An important example is Brad Pet, a playful puppy made out of sliced bread assembled in a way to give shape to a puppy. There is also Crunchie, the adorable puppy made from lettuce.
Stentzel is an innovative artist who can turn almost anything to art. You can see more of her works on her Instagram page and website where you can also buy prints of her works.
Grazing Animals in Landscape
What do you think about Helga-Stentzel’s Clothesline animals? Leave a comment.
Joram Krol’s intimate Portraits are Captivating, Confrontational, and Revealing
Audience 2023, one of the intimate portraits by visionary photographer Joram Krol. Photo: Artist/Groninger Museum
Intimate Portraits by visionary photographer Joram Krol invites viewers to explore the depths of human emotion and identity.
BY SEAN LEYWES
Joram Krol, a visionary photographer hailing from Groningen, Netherlands, has carved a niche for himself in the area of black-and-white portraiture. His distinct style, characterized by confrontational yet deeply personal portraits, encapsulates the essence of his subjects and the spirit of his hometown. In his latest exhibition Can I Be Me, Krol presents a collection of 116 captivating and intimate portraits that offer a glimpse into his intriguing world.
Can I Be Me serves as a testament to Krol’s artistic prowess and unwavering dedication to his craft. Hosted at the esteemed Groninger Museum, this showcase offers visitors a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the photographer’s evocative world of portraiture. Featuring meticulously curated photographs, the exhibition invites viewers to explore the depths of human emotion and identity. From intimate close-ups to striking full-body shots, each portrait encapsulates a unique narrative. They invite viewers to ponder the complexities of the human experience.
About Joram Krol
Krol’s journey as a photographer commenced nearly a decade ago when he first laid hands on a camera. Since then, he has honed his craft, meticulously crafting a signature style that sets him apart in the industry. What distinguishes Krol’s approach is his ability to immerse himself in the lives of his subjects. He captures raw and unfiltered emotions with unparalleled authenticity.
Unlike traditional photographers, Krol eschews meticulous planning, opting instead to embrace spontaneity and freedom in his work. Whether he’s photographing locals in Groningen or collaborating on commissioned projects, Krol infuses each image with a piece of his soul. The result is a body of work that resonates deeply with viewers.
This exhibition is an opportunity to experience firsthand the masterful artistry of Joram Krol as he navigates the delicate interplay between light, shadow, and emotion. The intimate portraits highlight the photographer’s personal connection and help viewers discover the profound intimacy of Krol’s portraits. Each one is a testament to the deep connection forged between artist and subject.
Above all else, Krol’s portraits reveal a deep cultural exploration of Groningen. He shares this cultural experience by allowing visitors to gain insight into the vibrant culture and rich tapestry of life in Groningen, as seen through the eyes of one of its most celebrated photographers.
In a world saturated with imagery, Joram Krol stands out as a beacon of authenticity and creativity. Through his confrontational yet deeply empathetic approach to portraiture, Krol invites viewers to see beyond the surface and delve into the intricacies of the human soul. Don’t miss your chance to experience the transformative power of Krol’s photography at the Can I Be Me exhibition, now showing at the Groninger Museum.
Joram Krol’s Intimate Portraits
In a world saturated with imagery, Joram Krol stands out as a beacon of authenticity and creativity.
Can I Be Me, Please?
What do you think about Joram Krol’s intimate portraits?
Wool Artist Nastasya Shulyak Crafts Joyful Creatures with Love
Dino by Wool Artist Nastasya Shulyak. Image courtesy of the artist
Discover the enchanting world of Nastasya Shulyak’s whimsical wool artistry, the magic of fiber creations, and her artistic inspiration.
BY SEAN LEYWES
Nastasya Shulyak, an artist fueled by a passion for wool, has ingeniously spread joy through her whimsical creations. Her charming woolen creatures, crafted with love and meticulous attention to detail, have not only captured but also captivated hearts globally.
Immersed in the techniques of dry and wet felting since 2010, Shulyak’s journey into wool artistry began serendipitously with a gift of colored wool from friends for the New Year. This unexpected turn of events led to two pivotal moments that solidified her artistic path: the incredible suppleness of wool and the sheer joy sparked in the eyes of her customers.
Having been based in Moscow where she taught people how to create toys and sell them on social media, Shulyak recently moved to Georgia. That move sparked a brilliant creative spark. This transition brought a new dimension to her artistic journey. The absence of harsh winters, coupled with the abundance of inspiring flora, fueled her creativity. Bizarre plants at every turn become a wellspring of inspiration, contributing to the birth of new and delightful woolen creations.
Moreover, the local environment, with its diverse geography, played a crucial role in shaping Shulyak’s artistic vision. The mountains, the minerals beneath her feet, and the serene southern coast of the Black Sea became integral elements influencing her creative process.
Amidst the beauty of her new surroundings, wool artist Nastasya Shulyak birthed her first creature, affectionately named Pebbles. Daily rituals, including morning beach visits, fueled her inspiration. Sorting through stones along the shore also became a meditative practice that led to the emergence of more enchanting characters.
Unveiling Whimsical Creations
Shulyak’s woolen creatures exude a sense of contentment, each adorned with a warm, friendly smile. Fibrous leaves, flower buds, fungi, and stones sprout from their heads, adding a touch of whimsy to their appearance. These creatures, with their small arms placed politely on their laps, invite observers into a world of joy and imagination.
While Shulyak typically works with laconic forms that often venture into complex textures and shapes, her creations demand diligence and meticulousness. Dry felting, a labor-intensive technique that demands precision, becomes even more demanding when adding character. The detail in each of Shulyak’s pieces sheds light on the meticulous effort invested in her creation. They emphasize the painstaking work behind them.
About Wool Artist Nastasya Shulyak
Before adopting the title of wool artist, Shulyak pursued a career as a theater artist and educator at the very art school where she once studied. Her life has consistently been intertwined with art and craft in various forms. She creates a rich tapestry of experiences that informs her current endeavors.
Exploring Nastasya Shulyak’s artistic world, one cannot help but marvel at the joy infused into every fiber of her creations. Every piece tells a story of connection, inspiration, and joy.
From the initial inspiration from Georgia’s landscapes to the evolving complexity of her artistic style, Shulyak’s work is a testament to the transformative power of art. As she continues to push the boundaries of her art, the complex textures and shapes of her creations will continue to be a major attraction in the coming months.
For those intrigued by the magic spun from wool by Nastasya Shulyak, her artistic evolution, and the delightful characters, she brings to life are on display on her Instagram page and store.
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