Nigerian-born visual artist, Anehita Aletor, has successfully carved an enviable niche for herself as one of Nigeria’s finest exports to the global art world. In the last five years, her creativity and artistic prowess have become more pronounced at home and abroad, making her works to adorn a lot of homes and offices. Her post-COVID solo exhibition titled Untold Story Series and Joker Series, signposted the boom in her talents and artistic confidence.
Born on 19th June 1978, in Nigeria, UK-based Anehita Aletor holds a Diploma in Data Processing from the University of Benin, Edo State, and a B.Sc. in Banking and Finance from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State. Nicknamed ‘Jacqueline of all trades’, she is a certified Aesthetician from the London School of Beauty and Makeup, London, Ray Cochran College, London, and the Carlton Institute, Windsor.
Born Artistic, she is an art lover and enthusiast, completely drawn to positivity and creativity. Her deep sojourn in art was necessitated by her discouragement by the prospects of art in Nigeria at the beginning. This prompted her to seek and maintain a different career path in Business and Finance in the corporate world while applying her creativity to other aspects of arts in beauty, fitness, health, holistic therapy, and interior decoration.
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The benefits of her return to her passion for painting after over 15 years have greatly inspired her to encourage other creative-minded people to embrace their suppressed gifts via a Solo Artist Collaboration in 2018. It was a platform to showcase talents in various aspects of art and to discover and support solo artists.
She has a flair for creativity; art to her is life, and she sees everything as masterpieces from the Divine and ultimate creator. Her essence is to seek beauty in all things and situations.
Anehita spoke with Ademola Akinbola, The Podium Magazine’s Publisher, in London, United Kingdom, on her life, her passion, and her vision. Excerpts …
As an art lover, what would you say has been your motivation?
I just see everything as art and life itself is the artwork of our divine creator. I find myself in awe of pleasing or intriguing sights, people, emotions, places, and things. I feel this urge to replicate and express my conception from my heart and open a route to evoke thought processes and for viewers to channel their thoughts and emotions. So anything can inspire me. It’s my way of expressing gratitude for the sense of sight and life.
When and how did you commence your journey into the creative arts industry?
Being an inborn talent, it appeared that my creativity at some point was heightened and caused me to bother a lot and feel somewhat of a misfit. My journey was sojourned by the outlook on the prospects of the Art industry and the stereotyping of creative beings. After years of subtle reminders from family and peers, I gradually regained my interest in the Art scene when I attended a Paint & Sip event I was invited to by friends. Thereafter, I started attending art exhibitions and then taking cues from a good number of hard-working artists in admiration of their passion, dedication, and networking capabilities.
Being naturally curious and eager to learn new things, I observed my mum and other artists, mastered my processes, and made countless experimentations, most of which would have been mistakes but became the discovery of unique techniques.
How has it been so far?
Art has always been my constant and go-to place. I’ve been loving every moment I hold the brush. Art to me is what golf is to golf lovers, like what pets are to pet owners, and what fashion is to the fashionista. There are so many examples to describe it. So far it’s been great and I have more in store.
What are your short and long-term objectives?
To keep advocating the inclusion of creative-minded persons, and to keep exploring opportunities to accomplish this. This involves the infusion of art in diverse sectors.
Which projects or events do you have scheduled?
I have lined up commissioned works for some galleries and collectors, as well as events and exhibitions scheduled to take place in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. I am currently researching a few innovative ideas.
Have your parents had any impact or influence on your career choice?
As a descendant of a lineage of artists, my grandmother was very stylish, and very good with her hands notably in hair weaving and ceramics (beautifully moulded and designed clay works). My dad did perfect drawings for Anatomy in medicine, I have a sister who is dedicated to iconography, and of course, my mum, who, from being an art teacher, progressed to lecturing arts at the University of Benin. I was born during a time of intense study and career demands.
Growing up, my favorite place to be was her studio where my passion for the Arts ignited. Even when I couldn’t read, I would gaze at pictures in her art and history books, albums, and encyclopedias. I’ve always been intrigued by history, humanities, and culture. She did paintings, tie and dye, and mosaic art. I am privileged to be her protégé and to have gained experience while assisting her in her projects.
As a child I believed I could create anything, I was fascinated by particular colors, growing to be more observant of details and intricacies. My family has been of understated support. They believed in me especially when I didn’t believe in myself. They always encouraged me to harness my talents in both visual and performing arts. It turned out that Mum was right as the saying goes.
Tell us about your birth and early life
I grew up in a disciplined Christian (catholic) home in Benin City, Nigeria. I had my nursery and tertiary education in Edo State before getting involved in the Lagos art scene and that of the United Kingdom.
Are you fulfilled?
Truly as a human, it’s only natural for one to aspire for more. Most of all, I’m simply contented with my content.
What does success mean to you?
Success to me is happiness however it comes…
Tell us about your principles of success.
Pray, and make a to-do list each day. Pray again. And try to achieve it all
What advice would you offer budding artists?
Art is relative. Be yourself. Time travels with your art but keep an eye on the ways the world is changing regarding the effects of technology in business and commerce. Keep creating.
