Interview with OJ Okosun, interview by email February 2015:
1. Tell us more about your background and how/when you started creative work?
I was born in Lagos Nigeria. I Studied Architecture at the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife. It wasn’t until my 2nd year in 1998 that I realized I’d made a mistake so I kind of worked my way through school wondering what I was going to do with my life. I had always been interested in animation but the only way I thought it could be done was through expensive equipment like cameras and light tables. Then I discovered Adobe Flash In 2007 and suddenly it was possible to create animated videos all by myself. Then I started using toonboom animate for a bit, nowadays all of my animation is made with Anime Studio pro.
2.Describe your studio practice.
Well I don’t exactly have a proper studio; I created a bit of space in my home. That’s where I set up my computer and stuff. As far as studio practice I just focus on the work at hand till it’s done. No TV, no distractions just doing what I have In front of me.
3. Tell us a bit about your community and country. What are some of your favorite memories? /Influences? /How has this played into your character today?
I grew up in Lagos, in a quiet little part of town until a few years ago when noisy churches started springing up all over the place. In the community people are generally very religious. Everybody has an opinion and wants you to know about it whether you like it or not. Favorite memories as a child are listening to my dad play his music selection on weekends. My father has a wide taste in music so I was thrilled to hear him play a jazz album he thought sounded great.
4. How is your art related to the community and its challenges? How did the outbreak impact your work?
Some of my videos are about historical figures that helped shape my country Nigeria. When we had our first few Ebola cases there was widespread uproar and anger about the manner the virus got into the country. That quickly gave way to panic and distrust for one another. People weren’t shaking hands anymore; they looked at you suspiciously if you entered a building all sweaty. I decided to
make a video about Ebola from the view of a child. That way people could see the effects of their fear on the younger generation.
5. What, in your opinion is needed now for your community?
WHO officially declared Nigeria free of Ebola virus transmission in 2014. Unlike the situation in other affected countries, all identified contacts were physically monitored on a daily basis for 21 days. I would say our communities need our monitoring systems to be ever more diligent to maintain the virus free status.
6. What are your future plans? Hopes for your country?
I plan on creating a series of animated videos that portray the unique aspects of the average Nigerian. The ultimate goal is to produce a feature length animation. Nigeria has a wealth of inspiration from African mythology to historical culture. We have our own stories to tell.
7. If there is one thing you would like the international community to know about Ebola and/or your country, what would it be?
It’s not some kind of conspiracy; it’s not a terror plot. Nigeria successfully contained Ebola through joint efforts. Sensational media hype may sell a few newspapers but it doesn’t help anyone. Stigmatization prevents people suspected of being infected from seeking early treatment that will save their lives. In one of the videos I made, there’s a quote at the end that reads-
“Epidemics do more harm through irrational human behavior than through biological action”- Jayne Parry.
I don’t know who Jayne Parry is, but I think she makes a fine point.
8. Anything else you would like to share?
Visit my YouTube page www.youtube.com/user/OJSmile77 to see my videos. Leave a nice comment, thanks.
1. Tell us more about your background and how/when you started creative work?
I was born in Lagos Nigeria. I Studied Architecture at the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife. It wasn’t until my 2nd year in 1998 that I realized I’d made a mistake so I kind of worked my way through school wondering what I was going to do with my life. I had always been interested in animation but the only way I thought it could be done was through expensive equipment like cameras and light tables. Then I discovered Adobe Flash In 2007 and suddenly it was possible to create animated videos all by myself. Then I started using toonboom animate for a bit, nowadays all of my animation is made with Anime Studio pro.
2.Describe your studio practice.
Well I don’t exactly have a proper studio; I created a bit of space in my home. That’s where I set up my computer and stuff. As far as studio practice I just focus on the work at hand till it’s done. No TV, no distractions just doing what I have In front of me.
3. Tell us a bit about your community and country. What are some of your favorite memories? /Influences? /How has this played into your character today?
I grew up in Lagos, in a quiet little part of town until a few years ago when noisy churches started springing up all over the place. In the community people are generally very religious. Everybody has an opinion and wants you to know about it whether you like it or not. Favorite memories as a child are listening to my dad play his music selection on weekends. My father has a wide taste in music so I was thrilled to hear him play a jazz album he thought sounded great.
4. How is your art related to the community and its challenges? How did the outbreak impact your work?
Some of my videos are about historical figures that helped shape my country Nigeria. When we had our first few Ebola cases there was widespread uproar and anger about the manner the virus got into the country. That quickly gave way to panic and distrust for one another. People weren’t shaking hands anymore; they looked at you suspiciously if you entered a building all sweaty. I decided to
make a video about Ebola from the view of a child. That way people could see the effects of their fear on the younger generation.
5. What, in your opinion is needed now for your community?
WHO officially declared Nigeria free of Ebola virus transmission in 2014. Unlike the situation in other affected countries, all identified contacts were physically monitored on a daily basis for 21 days. I would say our communities need our monitoring systems to be ever more diligent to maintain the virus free status.
6. What are your future plans? Hopes for your country?
I plan on creating a series of animated videos that portray the unique aspects of the average Nigerian. The ultimate goal is to produce a feature length animation. Nigeria has a wealth of inspiration from African mythology to historical culture. We have our own stories to tell.
7. If there is one thing you would like the international community to know about Ebola and/or your country, what would it be?
It’s not some kind of conspiracy; it’s not a terror plot. Nigeria successfully contained Ebola through joint efforts. Sensational media hype may sell a few newspapers but it doesn’t help anyone. Stigmatization prevents people suspected of being infected from seeking early treatment that will save their lives. In one of the videos I made, there’s a quote at the end that reads-
“Epidemics do more harm through irrational human behavior than through biological action”- Jayne Parry.
I don’t know who Jayne Parry is, but I think she makes a fine point.
8. Anything else you would like to share?
Visit my YouTube page www.youtube.com/user/OJSmile77 to see my videos. Leave a nice comment, thanks.
***Please contact OJ Okosun at: [email protected], for more information and Art Prices***