Caroline Useh

When I first caught sight of Caroline’s work on Instagram, I was instantly filled with wonder and burning curiosity. I couldn’t stop pondering over their magnificent richness and diversity in terms of materials and mediums used. I had to tell Caroline of my admiration for her stunning work and encourage her to exhibit it here😊.

So, a few days later, Caroline and I first met via video call.

As far as she remembers, she has always been an artist at heart, passionate about colors and ordinary and not-so-ordinary objects with different and subtle shades.

However, like many artists, she had to deal with the impostor syndrome, where she constantly questioned her artistic potential and the value of her work. Despite her fears, and thanks to her caring and supportive entourage, she gained the confidence to assert herself as an artist and, above all, to assert her uniqueness over time.

Indeed, Caroline’s work is unlike any other, in my opinion. Her pieces are composed of a wide variety of discarded materials: watch straps, cell phone parts and cases, hair combs, clothing buttons, plastic spoons, pen caps, toy parts, remote control parts, and other surprising materials. Her process of selecting materials is spontaneous and intuitive.

In her work, Caroline is constantly trying to find alternatives to pigments (which often contain polluting heavy metals or petroleum products) to inscribe her art in an ecological and hygienic culture.

Before embarking on a piece, she mentally visualizes her color palette, then lets the work “take control”. She’s not looking for a specific goal, but simply to experience the creative process in the present moment, to surprise herself. During this process of creative immersion, where she combines and manipulates various elements, she becomes inspired for her next work(s).

For her, each work represents an opportunity to surpass herself and elevate her art, through which she aims to help curb environmental disturbances as well as sensitize her audience on an alternative means to waste management.

In this way, Caroline reminds us that nothing is lost and that everything can be transformed and brought back to life in the most beautiful form. A timely reminder in these times, when the global debate on ecological solutions is in full swing.

Caroline also offered me a virtual tour of her studio, showing me some of her unpublished works and commenting on them. I couldn’t have explored her artistic universe any better and I loved it!

Thank you so much, Caroline, for our beautiful and inspiring meeting. Please continue to amaze us with your unique art!

To acquire one or more of her distinctive works, contact her here: https://www.instagram.com/caroline_useh/?hl=en

Location: Lagos (Nigeria).