NKATA: Art and Processes - EP15: "The garment of the present is always stitched by cloths and threads from a variety of elsewheres" – Nkata with John Akomfrah

EP15: "The garment of the present is always stitched by cloths and threads from a variety of elsewheres" – Nkata with John Akomfrah

08/19/24 • 58 min

In this thought-provoking episode, host Emeka Okereke sits down with the visionary Ghanaian-born British artist and filmmaker John Akomfrah. Akomfrah is renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to contemporary art and film, where his work poignantly explores themes of memory, post-colonialism, and the lived experiences of migrant diasporas across the globe.

The conversation delves into Akomfrah’s illustrious career, beginning with his pivotal role as a founding member of the Black Audio Film Collective in 1982. The collective’s debut film, Handsworth Songs (1986), marked a significant moment in British cinema. It examined the 1985 riots in Birmingham and London, showcasing Akomfrah’s distinctive style—a rich tapestry of archival footage, still images, and newsreels that challenge conventional storytelling methods and invite viewers to confront complex social issues.

Akomfrah’s work is not just a reflection of historical events but a deeply personal meditation on the intricacies of race, identity, and the persistent impact of colonial legacies. In this episode, he shares insights into how his films and installations serve as vehicles for re-inscribing identity, using art to navigate the often turbulent waters of racial narratives and their profound influence on societal relations and personal identity formation.

Listeners are invited to explore the philosophical underpinnings of Akomfrah’s oeuvre, as he discusses the continuous process of identity formation in dialogue with the ideas of intellectual giants like Stuart Hall and Frantz Fanon. The episode also touches on contemporary issues, such as the global resonance of the Black Lives Matter movement following the tragic killing of George Floyd and the societal upheavals caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Akomfrah articulates how these events underscore the ongoing “presencing” of diasporic identities and the existential realities of living with an awareness of potential violence.

Throughout the conversation, Akomfrah offers a rare glimpse into the creative process behind his works, emphasising the role of artistic passion, integrity, and sacrifice in the pursuit of meaningful art. His reflections provide invaluable guidance for artists today, encouraging them to engage deeply with the cultural and political dimensions of their practice.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the intersections of art, history, social commentary and the historical archive, as well as the power of film and visual art to provoke thought and inspire change. Tune in to experience a rich dialogue that intertwines personal narratives with historical and philosophical reflections, offering a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of art and its transformative potential in society.

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Hi, amazing listeners! Emeka Okereke here. I am the founder and host of this show. If you’ve enjoyed the stories, insights, and creativity we bring to this podcast series, I invite you to join my Patreon community at patreon.com/EmekaOkereke. 🎉

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EP14: "Move one foot in front of the other, and you will find your road". Nkata with Jide Adeniyi-Jones

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Jide Adeniyi-Jones (b. Lagos, 1952) is a Nigerian documentary photographer based in Lagos and Washington, DC. He credits the English photographer John Vickers for paving his way into photography in 1972. Since then, he has worked across various sectors of the discipline, including advertising, private media, civic service, and contemporary art.
Having been a photographer for most of Africa's post-independence era, he has witnessed and documented many key political events in the continent as they unfolded. Yet, to those who know him within the profession, Adeniyi-Jones has put his humanity and nuanced way of reading the world at the service of those behind the viewfinder as much as he has of his camera. Moreover, through masterclasses, mentorship programs, jury activities, and informal tutelage, he has, over the years, transmitted his sensibilities to younger professionals in ways that transcend the scope of any documented account. Thus, in many ways, he has contributed to the foundation of thought and ethics of contemporary Nigerian photography, of which many photographers/artists of today are fortunate beneficiaries.

In the 14th episode of Nkata: Art & Processes, Adeniyi-Jones takes us back on memory lane through expansive recollections of noteworthy events of his life and practice that underscores his passion for photography and devotion to social issues. He takes the listener through the ethics of photography accrued over so many years of experience telling stories of everyday persons to explain what he means when he says, "Photography forces you to establish a point of view."
For those searching for the wealth of hindsight, this podcast conversation is an encouraging companion in the interminable journey of growth. This is aptly captured, towards the last minutes of the conversation, when he says, "Move one foot in front of the other, and you will find the road."
Guest: Jide Adeniyi-Jones
Host: Emeka Okereke
Production: Atelier E.K Okereke
Production Assistant: Tom Saater
Photography: Tom Saater

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EP16: "Creativity is what we owe Humanity" – Nkata with Ibe Ananaba

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In this episode of Nkata Podcast: Art & Processes, host Emeka Okereke engages in a compelling conversation with Nigerian painter, designer, and multimedia artist Ibe Ananaba. A lifelong explorer of visual storytelling, Ananaba’s journey is one of relentless curiosity—one that traverses the bustling city of Aba, where he grew up, the creative crucible of Lagos, and his current practice in Canada.

At the heart of this discussion lies a fundamental question: What do we owe the world as creatives?

Ananaba’s artistic practice is deeply interdisciplinary, blending painting, fashion illustration, calligraphy, and design to create a visual language that is both dynamic and socially engaged. Having spent 15 years as an art director in advertising before transitioning fully into studio practice, his work bridges the commercial and fine art worlds, exploring contemporary sociocultural narratives with an acute sensitivity to movement, rhythm, and texture. His paintings—often characterized by fluid lines and layered storytelling—reflect themes of identity, urban culture, and the evolving human experience across physical and virtual spaces.

Drawing from formative childhood experiences—where sketching on any available surface became both an obsession and a path toward mastery—he reflects on how artistic expression has shaped his sense of identity, purpose, and open-minded approach to life. His years in Lagos’ dynamic creative ecosystem, particularly within the legendary Dolphin Studios, further expanded his understanding of the intersections between art, design, photography, and visual culture.

Through the lens of his practice, Ananaba unpacks the anatomy of creativity—its process-driven nature, the delicate balance between discipline and spontaneity, and the profound role of artistic intuition. In discussing the shifting landscape of visual culture, he highlights the ways in which art serves as a vessel for personal growth, storytelling, and the articulation of selfhood.

Key Themes:

• Creativity as a Responsibility – The role of artists in shaping narratives and giving back to humanity.

• The Power of Place – How Aba, Lagos, and Canada have each informed Ananaba’s artistic practice.

• The Anatomy of Creativity – Unpacking process, play, and the search for essence.

• Between Fine Art & Advertising – Navigating multiple creative worlds while staying true to artistic purpose.

• Movement & Stillness – What remains constant in an artist’s work when they move across geographies?

• Art as a Vehicle for Memory – The artist’s role in preserving, reinterpreting, and questioning history.

Throughout the conversation, Ananaba offers invaluable reflections on the creative process—both as a personal journey and a communal act of meaning-making. He underscores the idea that creativity is not merely a personal pursuit but a social responsibility—an offering that extends beyond the self.

This episode is essential listening for artists, cultural practitioners, and anyone invested in the transformative power of creativity. Tune in for a thought-provoking dialogue that weaves together personal narratives, artistic philosophy, and a meditation on what it truly means to create with in

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