Artist of the Week – Jekein Lato-Unah

POSTED IN Art, Art history, Culture, Drawn art, Painting
By Tobijulo Onifade
Jekein Lato Unah is a multidisciplinary artist. She is a trained potter, painter and performing artist who uses her craft to confront Patriarchy in Africa and celebrate women. She is currently studying Law at the University of Lagos and it’s pretty much amazing how her convictions and principles are channelled in both visual and verbal cues.
In this day and age, art is still an academic expression but I love how individualism has come to stay. Now artists/creatives are recognized for a signature look/style and Jekein is one of those. The remarkable thing about her though is the fact that she doesn’t have just one particular style, she is talented and versed in many and shines through all. She is also efficient with different mediums.
There are two major signature styles associated with her work, which are Patterns as well as Araism.
Her pattern work has a certain mystery to it as one can tell that each line, mark and stroke is intentional, Her pattern work is similar to doodling/zentagles which studies have cognitive benefits. With the image above I really like how the main characters are coloured while the background is monochrome. It’s a well-balanced piece that draws the audience in, as there are hidden icons and more in it.

 

 

 

Araism is a style that was pioneered by Mufu Onifade and is popular amongst male artist and as far as I know, Jekein is the first female to master this style as well as create her own identity with it. According to an article written by Tush Magazine, Jekein has cited Fauvism and other art movements as a source of inspiration. Her use of colours and the way is applied is very consistent with the Fauvist movement. Her strokes are bold and very impressive.
Jekein is an accomplished artist who has more to attain in the future. Her art is definitely a visual representation of who she is and what she stands for and she is one who won’t be forgotten, as she is a force to be reckoned with.
To know more about Jekein Lato-Unah’s work, visit her Art635 page.
Photos are courtesy of Jekein Lato-Unah.
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