Thinkspace Projects is excited to present Jimbo Lateef’s ‘Shades of Feelings.’
Lateef explore using modern calligraphy also known as contemporary calligraphy to represent his subject as an identity and style in art ranges from functional inscriptions and designs to fine-art pieces where the letters may or may not be readable, in my own aspect is not readable, it just a design that represents the forms of the subject.
In anticipation of ‘Shades of Feelings’ our interview with Jimbo Lateef explores his desire to create, how he developed his artistic style, and what other skills he’d like to explore.
For those not familiar with your work, can you tell us a little bit about your background? How did you come to be introduced to Thinkspace?
My Name is Jimbo Lateef, am from Nigeria, Lagos b.(1999)
I studied Art at Yaba College of Technology
I was introduced to Thinkspace art by an art Collector
What was the inspiration behind this latest body of work? What themes were you exploring?
My new body of works is the theme “Shades of Feelings,” I was inspired by different varieties of people’s emotions around my society. The people I see and meet every day and their various thoughts, feelings, behavioral responses.
Can you share with us one of your most colorful and impactful memories?
My most colorful moment was when I got admitted to study creative arts. After trying for 2 years, I had an art teacher in secondary schools that encouraged me enough to go further and study more about art. That has actually had a great impact on my life
What was the most challenging piece in this exhibition? How did it help you grow as an artist?
All the pieces were challenging. I learn from one piece to create another one, the process actually helps me focus on developing and strengthening my skills — explore more of my creativity
What does a day in the studio look like for you? How do you structure your days?
Making art is the most important thing that artists do. I will always create when am in the studio, I work every day and probably rest when I need to make some research and immerse myself in culture.
Do you have any rituals that help you tap into a creative flow?
No, I don’t have any rituals that help me tap into a creative flow. I make research.
What is your most favorite and least favorite part of the creative process?
The most favorite part of my creative process is using my lines to create forms, light and shade.
Your use of calligraphy style strokes is really dynamic, when did you first start experimenting with this style and how long did it take you to really perfect the look and feel?
I started experimenting with calligraphy lines when I first came across “GOTHIC” font in a design. That has been my favorite font. I use the font to write each time I’m given assignments to work on in school. I’ve really perfected the look and feel that it doesn’t take a lot of time anymore. It’s now part of me, have mastered it over years.
Who are some of your creative influences?
Every good artist I have met is part of my creative influence.
If you could have any skill or topic downloaded into your brain, what would you want to be able to do/ be an expert at?
I will love to have good skills in sculpting to explore more with my lines
If you could throw a dinner party for five people dead or alive, who would be on the guest list? What would be on the menu? What would be the ice breaker question?
I will love to have a dinner party with a great contemporary artist and creative mind, and the question will be “What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?”
