Emmanuel Egwemi is a dynamic storyteller and versatile professional with a background in theatre and media arts, specializing in storytelling and screenwriting. With a wealth of experience as a community manager for Ventures Park, a hub for tech startups, and as a customer experience manager, Emmanuel has honed his skills in communication and relationship-building.
Currently serving as an art curator and talent manager for Hare & Grouse Art Gallery, Emmanuel showcases a keen eye for talent and a passion for the arts. As a consultant for various creative brands, he leverages his expertise to drive innovation and creativity.
Emmanuel is also a prominent voice in the podcasting world, hosting the popular “Cassette & The Pen,” where he captivates audiences with his engaging storytelling. Additionally, as a co-host of the “Pro Circle” podcast on LinkedIn, Emmanuel brings together professionals from diverse backgrounds to share insights and experiences, showcasing his ability to connect and inspire.
Described by colleagues as a social architect, Emmanuel fondly called Emmy is dedicated to making a positive impact and creating value in everything he does. His commitment to social causes is evident in his role as a volunteer for USAID (Shoplus) during the COVID-19 pandemic and as a facilitator for other creative events.
With his passion for storytelling and his ability to inspire change, Emmy Egwemi is a force to be reckoned with in the world of creativity and advocacy. We spoke to him
What does art mean to you?
Art, to me, is the ultimate form of expression. It’s a universal language that transcends boundaries and connects us on a deeper level. It’s a way to tell stories, evoke emotions, challenge perspectives, and provoke thought. Art is both a reflection of our world and an exploration of what lies beyond it. It’s about creativity, passion, and the endless pursuit of understanding ourselves and the world around us. Art has been my friend in my days of grief and silence. Art is my Therapist.
What is your story and how did you start in the world of arts?
My journey into the world of arts began in my early years, driven by a deep fascination with storytelling and visual expression. I studied Theatre and Media Arts, which laid a strong foundation for my diverse pursuits. Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of working with various galleries, artists, and brands, as well as TV and radio houses. My passion for art and storytelling has led me to explore multiple facets of the creative industry, from screenwriting to art curation and beyond. My love for art is rooted in a desire to share compelling narratives and create meaningful connections through various mediums.
What are the most difficult challenges in your journey as an art enthusiast?
One of the most daunting challenges has been finding a balance between commercial viability and artistic integrity. As an artist, you want to stay true to your vision and message, but the pressures of the market can sometimes push you in different directions. Another challenge is the constant need for reinvention and staying relevant in a fast-evolving industry. The fear of stagnation and the need to continually push boundaries can be both exhilarating and intimidating.
You are a scriptwriter, an artist, a podcaster, and an art curator. How do you juggle all of these? If you had to pick one to focus on, which would it be?
Juggling multiple roles requires a great deal of time management and passion. Each of these roles feeds into my overall creative vision, and I draw energy from the variety they offer. If I had to pick one to focus on, it would likely be scriptwriting. The power of storytelling through scripts has always been a profound passion of mine, allowing me to create worlds, characters, and narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.
Which of your art skills do you connect more with?
I connect most with storytelling. Whether it’s through scriptwriting, painting, or curating, the core of my work is about telling compelling stories. Storytelling allows me to weave together different experiences, emotions, and ideas into a cohesive narrative that can impact and inspire others.
Could you remember the first time you painted? How did you feel painting for the first time and what prompted it?
Yes, I vividly remember the first time I painted. It was a mixture of excitement and nervousness. I felt a deep sense of liberation as I put brush to canvas, translating my thoughts and emotions into visual form. The desire to create something tangible and express a part of myself that words couldn’t capture is what prompted me to start painting.
How satisfied are you with what you have achieved so far and what keeps you going?
I am proud of what I have achieved, but I always feel there is more to explore and accomplish. The drive to keep growing, learning, and pushing my boundaries keeps me going. Seeing the impact of my work on others and the continuous support and feedback from the community are major motivators.
Some believe that mentorship is a form of slavery, restrictive exploration, and sometimes suffocating, especially in the area of creativity. What do you have to say about this? Do you have a mentor?
Mentorship, in my experience, has been incredibly valuable. It provides guidance, perspective, and wisdom that can help navigate the complexities of a creative career. While it’s important to maintain your individuality and creative freedom, a good mentor supports and encourages exploration rather than restricting it. I have been fortunate to have mentors who have helped shape my journey positively.
In one of your podcast episodes titled, “Who Are the Gatekeepers, and How Can Artists Navigate this Common Bias,” you stated that it wasn’t easy to fit into the Abuja art scene, especially because you came from a tech background. Did you in any way feel inferior to other artists who were already doing well in the Abuja art scene?
Initially, there were moments of self-doubt and feeling like an outsider. Transitioning from a tech background to the art scene was challenging, as it involved proving my credibility and finding my unique voice. However, I soon realized that my diverse background was an asset, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the art world. Instead of feeling inferior, I focused on leveraging my strengths and learning from others.
Every painter/artist has a style and theme that identifies him and identifies his work. What is your style and what theme do you focus on?
As a seasonal artist, my style is deeply rooted in a blend of contemporary Imperialism and abstract expressionism. I strive to create pieces that not only captivate the eye but also provoke thought and evoke emotion. My work often features bold colors, dynamic compositions, and a keen attention to detail, allowing me to explore the interplay between realism and abstraction.
Thematically, my focus is on exploring the human condition and the myriad emotions and experiences that define our lives. I am particularly drawn to themes of identity, resilience, and transformation. Through my art, I aim to capture the complexity of the human spirit, often highlighting moments of introspection, struggle, and triumph. By doing so, I hope to create a connection with viewers, inviting them to reflect on their own journeys and find a piece of their story within my work.
As a creative from a tech background, do you think you would have done better if you had a background in arts from the very beginning?
Having a background in the arts from the beginning might have made certain aspects of my journey smoother, but I believe my tech background has provided me with a unique edge. It has equipped me with analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a different way of thinking that I have integrated into my creative process. My diverse background has ultimately enriched my approach to art and storytelling.
What is the most daring and abnormal thing you have done as a creative?
One of the most daring things I’ve done was curating an art exhibition for Bruce Onubrakpeya. It was an honor for me to curate an exhibit for one of the biggest living artists in the world. It was a bold step and it made me see art in a way that had not been widely explored in the Art community. The exhibition invited Art collectors and Critics to not only view art but to experience it in an immersive, interactive environment.
Do you think AI will someday totally take over creativity?
While AI can assist in the creative process and generate content, I don’t believe it can completely take over creativity. True creativity stems from human experience, emotions, and consciousness, which AI cannot replicate. AI can be a powerful tool to enhance and support creativity, but the essence of artistic expression will always remain uniquely human.
If you were given the chance to go back in time, what would you have done differently?
If given the chance, I would have embraced my passion for the arts earlier in my career. While my journey has been diverse and fulfilling, starting sooner might have allowed me to delve deeper into certain aspects of my craft and make more impactful contributions earlier on. However, every experience has shaped who I am today, and I value the lessons learned along the way.