By Joseph Warkreh T-Toe
Lewinale Havette is a Liberian artist working and living in Atlanta, GA. Her work focuses on exploring the scientific research and discovery of Mitochondrial Eve and Lucy, the “Mothers” from Sub-SaharanAfrica, of all currently living humans. Recently, FunTimes interviewed her; here are her thought-provoking responses:
Your work projects passion and strength. What are your messages? Through my work, I explore the invaluable role of the African mother. African women are strong, flexible and capable of everything. Because of an African woman, humanity exists. Mywork tells us to look at the source from which we come, the mistreatment of said source, and ways in which we can change this story
What inspired you to become an artist? My desire to create comes from my need to educate. My work is deeply reflective and educative. I believe the story of our African mother should be shared and celebrated. I aim to not only extol the African mother, I alsodraw attentiontothe beauty of womanhood, creation and life.
When I moved from Liberia toBirmingham, Alabama at the age of 10, I learned that many people (Black and White) are far removed from wanting to know and appreciate their African heritage.For many, insisting on their civilizational superiority means undermining Africa’s. People in countless countries try to rid themselves of the beauty of their African roots. Numerous people have exploited Africa and Africans, taking and taking, forgetting thatAfrica is our life source. I became an artist in order to create awareness in a differentway.As Chinua Achebe is quoted: “Until the lions have their own historians the history of hunt will always glorify the hunter”
How does your experience as a youth in Liberia influence your work? Liberia is home to indigenous Liberians, as well asex-slaves who resettled. I am a product of both peoples. My country is home to almost every natural resource known to man. Because of her natural resources, invaders arebent on mining the continent, determined to exploit the landand her current inhabitants. Many assume superior virtue and vilify Africa, calling her savage and barbaric, forgetting that all cultures draw life from her. The colonial narrative still reigns and it is high time for a change.My reminder to honor our mother directly speaks to honoring Africa, Africans and essentially, humanity.
What artists do you admire? Omar Victor and WangechiMutu are artists I greatly admire. I admire Davinci and Michelangelo for their attention to detail and their meticulous work. I also like David LaChappelle’s and PejuAlatise’s work.
How are you handling the challenges in this male-dominated art world?PejuAlatise stated that Africans must take the responsibility upon themselves to project their own art and learn to value them as one of their greatest cultural exports. I wholeheartedlyagree with her.
I am using my gender and culture to my advantage. Women are more powerful than many of us realize, and we have our own ways of becoming successful because our stories and experiences are different.
The story of the human experience, told through art, has been recounted over and over again by men. African female artists are rarely seen in art history books. I have the capabilityand I will change this narrative.
What is your advice to women who want to walk in your footstep in the art world? Be persistent, spend time reflecting on yourself, and learn to decode the message within you that needs to be told. Find great artists you admire and have conversations with them. Nobody’s story is entirely your own.
What are some of your pastimes? I enjoy traveling because it allows me to see the different ways in which people form and maintain family and community. I get to witness cultures and see how different people are handling this thing called life. I always try to spot the similarities between other cultures and ancient/current African culture: What traditions and beliefs were borrowed? Which things have persisted from generation to generation? Which things have we learned from our mother?
Where is your next exhibition? An exhibition date will be announced within a few months. I am looking to exhibit my work someplace in Africa, this year.
For further information:http://lewinale.com
