art

Never stop working, keep grinding, meet Ian Banjar (pictured), an artist of simple art but loud impression

On this issue we had an interesting chat with Ian Banjar; an amazing artist from Namba nane(Kibira), here’s the interview we had with him.

Above | Banjar during his art sessions

TJK: Ian Banjar, right? How long have you been doing this(art)? Ian: Yes, a couple of years now, say five years. TJK: And how has the experience been so far? Ian: It’s been great. I got to learn many different styles and techniques painting, which is one of my greatest experiences. TJK: Have you experienced any setback(if yes mention a few) and what was your most focal point throughout the journey? Ian: Yeah, I’ve encountered some difficulties one of them being, financial hiccups. For instance this pandemic has taken toll on us. It’s hard to find a client who will be able to buy your art.

TJK: What inspires your art? Ian: My inspirations are mainly from the current happenings. For instance, from this pandemic we were able to do an art to pass a message to the community (pictured), the mural displayed tends to enlighten the community on the need to wear face masks to protect themselves by simply putting it on. TJK: That’s impressive, simple but quite loud, meaning your work is subjective right? Ian: Exactly. However,sometimes I just paint anything I find interesting. TJK: So Banjar, what’s your underlying principle of art that makes your work unique?

Above | an art by Banjar and his group sensitizing locals on Covid-19

Ian: I don’t just paint for the sake of it. Most artists tend to specialize in one style. For instance, if you’re doing if you are doing landscape art, you simply concentrate and stick to that. I like diversity, I do a variety of painting using different techniques. Artists mostly know of brush art, for me I can use a pallet knife when painting to bring texture to the piece. I don’t like my work being just fine. I love something different bringing out a tinge of roughness to the piece. Continued page 13

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The Journal | July - August 2020

TJK: Do you follow any particular trend? like for instance, a cloth designer can choose a particular culture to create unique designs. Does that apply to you?

Ian: No, I prefer being original, sticking to my ideas. Though at times I get ideas from body art

TJK: So Banjar, this is a bit personal, does your personal style and personality influence your design?

Ian: (chuckles) not really. But I can say a little because I like unique right from dressing to painting.

TJK: Taking this as a profession, how do you plan to grow, delving into a large circle of influence?

Ian: This is actually my talent. I however plan on looking for a qualified manager with enough experience, in art field to guide me and market my art via exhibitions and stuff .

TJK: Basing on your experience, any five words for upcoming artists?

Ian: “Never stop working, keep grinding.”

Some of Ian Banjar’s art,

Above | One of Banjar’s art collection

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1, 2 & 3 above- some of the latest arts on Banjar’s collection

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