Graffiti Artist; MADWOLE on the HOT SEAT
konknaijaboy | On 28, Jun 2013
We caught up with Madwole; a graffiti artist, set designer, interior and exterior design painter who also customise clothing and accessories based in Nigeria. We were stunned at his works and could not but spend 3 mins with him at lunch and share some of his works. These are what he has to say;
Who Are you and Where Are You Based?
I am popularly known as MADWOLE. Born BAKARE OYEWOLE BABATUNDE. I am yoruba from Lagos State. An artist, studied arts and design. And I am based in Lagos, Nigeria.
What do you do?
I do graffiti art, set designs, interior and exterior design paintings and also I customise clothing and accessories.
Mostly I do art inspired by the hip hop culture. Urban art, graffiti, street art
Basically kind of like fusing arts into entertainment
How would you describe your presence in the industry, what’s your mission?
I love my job and I just always want to b engaged in it! So I come with that “bring it on” attitude all the time. If you wanted to do an extensive job on a surface like u haven’t seen it done before, then am the one to come to!
And my art style and delivery is quite different from the stereotypical stuff every other person out here is doing!
How long have you been doing this?
I have been doing this for quite sometime now. Say 5yrs professionally. But I have been drawing on whatever I can lay my hands on since I was a kid! I vividly remember this one time I drew cartoons in my mum’s check book! Lols! Trust mums! I got a real good whooping. Lols
Notable moments in your career?
I think the highlight still is my first graffiti job.
Cos I had no experience at all going into it! I had been paid and had to deliver a good job. so I had to figure out materials and techniques! And before I was done with the job, people were already commending and taking pictures with the job. That was a perfect boost for me. I felt like a pro at day one. And since then there has been no turning back
Shouts out to Anecdote for giving me my first graffiti wall to bomb and paying for it too, even if he knew I was a toy (novice). Lols
What’s the best and worst part of what you do?
I think what I love most about this is seeing the finished work of something I have been involved in and knowing that I have assisted in making a project a success. And seeing a satisfied client. And yeah! Also when you are appreciated for your efforts! Everyone loves a good complement
And the worst thing about this is just definitely two things! First is the availability of materials. Cos I am really versatile and love to experiment and most of these materials are not sold here in Nigeria and a lot of them here are substandard! This really hinders growth as an artist and secondly! Its that people are yet to appreciate art as it is. Its just some in the entertainment biz who really patronise graffiti art for now.
A little more about you?
I am real quiet and calm looking on d outside but those in my inner circle see an insanely playful and comedic person every time with me! lols
Determined
Focused
Easy going
So! Let’s just say am an onion! With something underneath each surface u peel
Where do you see yourself in 10 yrs?
In 10years I see myself spreading into other areas of art and doing other things I have set my mind to. Animation, movies n stuff…..
What do you do for relaxing/fun/chilling out?
For fun! I love to watch movies, play computer games, write a little literature, do a lil rap music, read poetry and listen to hip hop music
What advice do you have for others inspired by you?
That they should be relentless, attack everything with a little opening in their minds for learning, and to believe in themselves even when nobody else does
Message for your fans, haters, critics?
I love my fans and over the years I have tried to get better for them! Thanks! And I won’t stop
To Critics! Well! Thanks for showing me every rule I have broken! I vow to break more. Lols
And to Haters! I love yall! Your fights make me stronger
Your website, facebook page, twitter handle, links to you:
Facebook: Madwole Bakare
Twitter: @poeboydenims