Not a single gallery in lagos would welcome her in and opened their halls for her to exhibit. But Bridget Van Grieken took the bull by the horn by having her first solo exhibition in her house.

Nigerian born artist, Bridget Van Grieken, now lives in The Netherlands did what was impossible for any up and coming african artist to do by having an exhibition of thirty artworks right there in her living room in Lagos. After putting in so much efforts but to no avail trying to convince gallery managers and operators to have her debut in their gallery spaces.
She shared her humble beginning with Ireho Aito

May we meet you?
I am Bridget Van Grieken. But I have always been called Bibi since my childhood. I was originally born Bridget Oronya and grew up in Lagos. Though, my parents got separated when I was about three years old.

And your educational background?

My Alma Mater is Methodist Girls High School, Yaba. Having to live with my mom and siblings was a tumultuous journey for us but it was a moment designed by God to let us go through because of the grace that abound in the end. My siblings and I were bound by love for each other. They are my best friends in the whole world.

The turning point…
It was when I finished my high school in 2004, obviously, waiting for my result which I performed abysmally when I finally got it. This bad performance made me to stay longer at home. Instead of brooding over my poor result that may lead to depression, the creative side of me started evolving gradually. I have always loved the art and painting gets my attention easily. It became a sort of comforting tool for me and this catapulted me to another flight zone. Fine Art was the only subject that sparkled in my eyes while at school.

Any genetic link with your love for Fine Art?
I developed the interest in painting and just couldn’t trace anyone in my family with such endeavor or talent. The nerve to paint started in my room.

Mentor, mentoring and becoming a mentee…

While picking my siblings from school, I came across an old neighbor, Mr. Wole, who was a painter and art dealer with notable European clientele base that lived in our neighborhood. Out of curiosity, I started paying regular visits to his abode and he was encouraging my foray into art and tutoring me on creative process in the business. Mr Wole’s artworks were unique, colourful and they communicate to the buyers which was his unique selling point.

How did you carve your own identity?

I work with basically anything I can lay my hands on. I will say I am a surrealist painter. But I like trying new things.

Graceland?
My first solo exhibition which actually happened to be my debut was organized at my house. No gallery in Lagos wanted to support me, so, I decided to have one in my own home and it was a remarkable success. I exhibited a total of thirty works entitled ‘Bibi the African Artist’ It was just an introduction of myself coming out for the first time.

When I met my husband, being a European, he encouraged me to invest in my talent. It was a push that I need and started buying books and reading more about art and art business. He is my hero, a big art lover but he cannot paint.

You are an artist of African descent, living abroad.Inspiration-wise, their culture and environment must be having great influence in your work. Do you see yourself a ‘local’ or ‘global’ artist?

Yes, when I was moving out of Nigeria, my biggest fear was I will lose my African identity but I was wrong. Instead my feelings grew stronger and my love for Africa and art grew even stronger.

You live in that part of the world, where mass-culture depends on institutions such as geo-politics, science, technology and global finance. How have all these institutions contributed to your drive as a contemporary artist?

My art has been influenced by the culture and some aspects of the religion of the region.

I focus more on societies / multi -culture and on how people try to live together; on travelling and volatility of people and communities. The duality in people / women / societies.

Odyssey on exhibition galleries

Ow… I will have to count. I have had countless exhibitions in great and famous cities known for the celebration of arts and designs such as Lagos, Dubai, Belgium, Netherlands and other cultural cities.

The technology and social media revolution have both helped in getting access to global clients faster. Selling my paintings happens mostly through frequent exhibitions and online marketing.

Another profession if had a chance?

I don’t think I would like another profession. I need an exhaust valve for my creativity. Maybe internal design could have been a compromise, but art is what defines my identity. My goals and creative plans for the year are always the same as every year. Paint a lot, continue to develop my skills and go for exhibitions.

This interview was first published in 2015
Interview /Ireho Aito /images /Bridget Van Grieken