BIC, a world leader in stationery, lighters, and shavers, hosted the one of a kind, pen art competition, Art Master Africa. The competition was launched early last year, 2024 and gained the attention from creative in various countries, to express their interpretation of Ubuntu (or One Africa), which was the theme for the 2024 competition using the unique BIC ballpoint pen. ANA talks with the amazing winners of the competition.
A.S: How did you hear about the BIC Art Master Africa Competition?
Joseph: I discovered the BIC Art Master Africa Competition through social media, specifically on Facebook.
Joshua: I learned about the BIC Art Master Africa Competition 2024 through a friend who encouraged me to explore this incredible opportunity.
A.S: Can you share what inspired your artwork and the story behind your winning piece, highlighting its significance to the theme of the competition “Ubuntu”?
Joseph: In a world where division and isolation can often seem overwhelming, I wanted to create a piece that reminds us of the power of community and connection.
My artwork, Stronger Together, celebrates the power of unity, solidarity, and the strength we derive from supporting one another. It is a tribute to the idea that we can create a better world not just for ourselves, but for future generations by standing as one.
The piece reflects life itself—the moments of love, connection, and shared humanity we’ve all experienced. Having faced the consequences of disunity, I’ve come to understand that choosing unity makes us stronger, whether as individuals, communities or as part of a global family.
Stronger Together is a testament to the transformative power of Ubuntu and the human spirit.
Joshua: My artwork, Ayodeji, was deeply inspired by the theme Ubuntu, highlighting the story and struggle of a young man named Ayodeji amid the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic and how the African community showed great resilience and collective response in combating the crisis that brought challenges globally.
Ubuntu, which embodies unity, love, and shared humanity, resonated with me as I witnessed the selfless acts and solidarity that emerged during this challenging time. Frontline workers gave their all, neighbours supported one another, and communities displayed extraordinary empathy and cooperation. This collective effort was a powerful reminder of the core values of unity and enduring spirit to face adversity with grace and dignity as we chose unity over fear.
A.S: Could you describe your creative process when working with the BIC ballpoint pen?
Joseph: My creative process relies heavily on focus, preparation, insight, and constant evaluation. The BIC ballpoint pen is a reliable and versatile tool that transitions seamlessly from everyday writing to intricate artistic expression.
Joshua: Creating Ayodeji was both an exciting and challenging experience, especially as it was my first time crafting a piece centred around a single thought using the iconic BIC ballpoint pen.
It took a month to finalise the research and sourcing of materials. I got the reference image and spent 38 hours over 17 days bringing the artwork to life. The creative process required me to exhaust nine BIC Cristal pens.
A.S: What challenges did you face while creating your artwork for the BIC Art Master Africa Competition, and how did you overcome them?
Joseph: In the beginning, I struggled with a lack of inspiration, searching too far and overlooking the beauty in everyday moments. Eventually, I realized that inspiration often lies in the small, ordinary things around us.
Another challenge was the limited time available to complete the piece. To meet the submission deadline, I dedicated myself to working tirelessly day and night. This persistence allowed me to overcome both the creative and logistical hurdles I faced.
Joshua: One major challenge was curating an idea that would best express theme Ubuntu. Another was finding a reference image that aligned perfectly with this vision. To overcome these hurdles, I turned to mentors, friends, books, and online resources for inspiration and guidance from God.
A.S: How does the launch of BIC’s first Metaverse gallery for Art Master Africa impact Nigerian talent?
Joseph: The launch of BIC’s Metaverse Gallery for Art Master Africa is an exciting opportunity for the development of Nigerian and African talent as a whole, offering a platform for global recognition, collaborations, creative expression, and career advancement.
The BIC Metaverse Gallery is a game-changer for Nigerian artists looking to showcase their work on an international stage.
Joshua: The BIC Metaverse Gallery is a groundbreaking innovation that creates exciting possibilities for Nigerian artists. By leveraging virtual reality, it provides a global platform for showcasing and celebrating artworks created with the BIC ballpoint pen.
This initiative connects Nigerian talent with art collectors and collaborators worldwide, offering unmatched convenience and accessibility. It also positions us at the forefront of the rapidly growing virtual art space, creating long-term opportunities for exposure and growth. I strongly encourage Nigerian artists to embrace this platform as a powerful way to share their stories and creativity with the world.
A.S: What are your plans for future projects or themes you wish to explore in your art journey?
Joseph: Moving forward, I plan to create works that celebrate human connections and the power of unity. I’m particularly passionate about addressing issues like racism and promoting a sense of oneness among people from diverse backgrounds. Through my art, I aim to inspire dialogue, empathy, and a collective commitment to building a more harmonious world.
Joshua: Looking ahead, I aspire to collaborate with diverse ballpoint pen artists from around the globe. The themes I plan to explore in this artistic journey will focus on promoting godly values and virtues through my meticulously crafted artworks, created with the iconic BIC ballpoint pen, ultimately contributing to societal growth and transformation.
