Celebrating Black History Month with Hali Igwelaezhoh

As our final instalment of our Black History Month celebration, we caught up with the fabulous Hali Igwelaezoh to chat about her early days and what BHM means to her. You can explore Hali's collection here, or read below to find out a little more about her. Explore Hali's beautiful figurative art prints here, or check out our Black History Month collection.

Hi Hali! Let’s get you introduced to our audience, you have told us you were originally born in Nigeria, when did you move to the UK? Tell us more about your early days!

So we moved to the UK when I was about 5. I don’t remember too much but have a few early memories before that - weirdly enough I remember bits of my third birthday! That’s my earliest memory. Also a goat, I remember having a goat around that I was so terrified of as a child while we were in Nigeria. I cried. I cried a lot. Not necessarily always from sadness, I was just a cry baby. It soothed me. My early days were mostly spent scheming with my siblings, learning, creating anything I could and laughing with my family, lots of that.

My parents would say I was entertaining, quite delightful and full of drama as a child. I wanted to do and be all the things. A fashion designer was the first career path I had in mind (when I was around 7). I used to have these fashion illustrations books that I’d make, just covered with designs, planning for when I’d open my little clothes store in Tokyo. It felt very real to me. Then I got older and decided I was gonna be a doctor because I was always quite academic too. That didn’t happen bc I also decided I didn’t like chemistry right at the end of school.

We can see that illustration is your primary medium, with a focus on themes related to culture and femininity, what inspires you to create work around these topics?

This is how I put myself into my work. I guess unintentionally but that’s just how it comes out. They’ve always been recurring themes in my life in different ways. I’m constantly learning about it. Especially with femininity, it’s an energy for me. I’m not to sure how to make art about things I don’t relate to and when I’ve tried it always turns out different; so I like themes of femininity, spirituality, isolation/connection and alienation as well amongst other things that I just see. It’s all a self-portrait.

 

New in figurative work by Hali Igwelaezhoh, explore her full collection here. 

Tell us about the step by step creative process behind each of your unique designs?

I try not to force it. There seems to always be a concept in the back of my mind. So I put on some tunes and just let it flow out. Mostly I work digitally and draw the designs on my iPad using Procreate but I also like to make sure I’m physically drawing on paper now and then. So I’d do that and then usually convert it to a digital format afterwards.

A lot of the time, I don’t actually know what it’ll turn out as so I just follow the flow but that’s part of the fun for me! I am quite particular about my colour palette though so I usually pick the tone based on how I feel at the time. It’s more of a mood. I also like to make sure I’m not spending toooo much time in a city so try and make sure to get out, turn off the internet, disconnect and see what I come out with.

We’re very excited to showcase your work as part of our Black History Month feature, can you tell us what Black History Month means to you?

Learning is constant but it’s also just a great time for people of different backgrounds to learn about Black history, culture and different perspectives; as well as unlearn systematic and social constructs that internalise bias. We’re celebrating black voices and stories.

Pair your unframed A3 art print with a Narrow White Frame for a polished look. Print Bandana Girly by Hali Igwelaezhoh.

What would you like people who are not of a black origin to know about your culture?

Just how vast it is! There are so many different beliefs and traditions and ways of living, stories etc.

Are you doing anything in particular to celebrate Black History Month?

Probably indulging in some events that are on. I’m leaning towards music events, art shows and a few lectures/panel events I’d like to go to

What's your earliest memory related to art, design or Illustration? First museum visit or creative experience that had an impact on you?

I can’t really pinpoint a specific memory but I remember always being mesmerised by art that looked kinda weird or distorted but human in some way, frail lines kind of eerie. When I think about the feeling, it’s like what I imagine being in a sensory deprivation tank feels like while also being able to focus on just one sense at a time. (that zoned me out for a second)

Did you go to art school and if so, what did you study?

No I didn’t go to art school. I studied Maths!

What do you each do for fun outside of the studio?

I have quite lots of hobbies and like trying out new things. Nowadays things that bring me joy are seeing my friends, dancing, yoga, live music, looking at art, curating new recipes (trying them out on ppl), playing bass (trying), staring at the moon, movie nights and sleepovers, being in water and outside, offline days, airplane mode.

Quick Fire Questions:

It’s Friday night, what’s your go to cocktail?

If I’m not drinking that night, ginger beer (Fentimans) with mint and lime. If I am.. lots of ice. Tequila. Lots of lime :) that counts as a cocktail right?

What is your last Google search?

My secret tumblr page

What never fails to make you laugh?

My Sister

What’s your go-to holiday destination?

I don’t have a particular destination, these days I look for anywhere by the water

Salty or sweet?

Salty BB

Explore Hali's beautiful figurative art prints here, or check out our Black History Month collection.