We had the good fortune of connecting with Ani Asanga and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ani, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I chose an artistic career because I needed to create things that communicated withoit words.

I’ve been making pieces since I was 5 and looking back on it, they all have a common theme: The need to say something that would usually need a whole book, or movie to say.

I’ve made a few I’m extremely proud of and I’ll be showing them today,

I didn’t think they’re what you’d expect.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
A lot of talking. And sharing. If you wanna be in the ocean, you have to swim. Cos that’s what gives you motion.

The Nok Brand is something that persists because people are able to see themselves in it. Relate and tune into a certain kind of culture. New Age African Art.

I would want the world to know that people will hear them out if they said something. Weather in a conversation, or at work, or through art. The opposite of depression is Expression.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’ll just walk through NoDa and do everything. Bars like blind pig, billie Jack Shack, the countless shops etc. Then we’ll probably check out the mountains to hike, camp or just float around on the water. Well end most nights in Uptown Charlotte or south End. There’s usually something going on and we can get mixed up in the crowd.

Blackbox if there’s a show.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Definitely my college.
Savannah College of art and Design, SCAD. I always knew I was interested in being a creative, but Scad showed me how to take control of it, express ideas and help others communicate theirs. I had a community that all had the same vision, and frankly, that was the fist time I felt that. The professors cared and pushed us, knew us as people and everyone else had a vision they were chasing. Still one of the most inspiring places I’ve has the pleasure of passing through.

Website: https://Aniasanga.squarespace.com

Instagram: @nok_narrative

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aniekanabasi-asanga

Image Credits
None

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