I spent a couple hours talking to and filming the incomparable Victor Ekpuk at his studio in Washington, DC. Not only is a world recognized artist, with works installed in spaces and galleries around the globe, he has a fascinating mind and was a pleasure to talk to.
The central theme of my work is the exploration of the relationships, challenges and responses to changes that characterize the human condition.
Of particular interest to my project is Nsibidi, an indigenous African system of writing that employs graphic signs, and codes to convey concepts.
Inspired by this ancient writings, forms in my works are reduced to basic essence resulting in new symbols or codes in script-like drawings that are used to express contemporary experiences. When combined with Nsibidi signs, these “scripts” also provide the background narrative to my compositions. Most often these narrative are better perceived when they are felt rather than read literally.
-Victor Ekpuk
