LABET

Labet – Lola Betiku, a Nigerian-British artist from Hackney, East London – considers her art as her journal. “I’ve always had an interest in creative arts, but I really started honing it when it became an avenue for self-reflection and meditation in my early adult years,” she says. “I always refer to my art as a journal because it's how I'm able to gather my thoughts and process my feelings. Painting is my preferred medium of choice because of its playful nature.  I really enjoy the process of experimenting with texture and colour through different brush strokes. For me, there's just a freeing quality to painting.”

From music homage collection HiGhLiFe Soldiers to her work exploring the waiting periods we all experience, but perhaps pay very little attention to, Labet’s work has a clear thread of themes running through each piece. “I would say the main themes that come up in my work are explored through my Nigerian heritage, which is represented as a form of cultural pride,” she explains. “It's been a firm foundation for me to develop as an artist through my own experiences. This ties in with me looking at identity, which comes out as a continuous journey of reflection through womanhood and, I suppose everyday life in general.”

I first saw Labet’s work in the flesh at The_iNTERLUDE exhibition, in the heart of her stomping ground, Hackney. At first glance her pieces are colourfully vivid – so much so that they capture the attention of pretty much any passerby. But it’s when you take a moment to appreciate the details, such as the piece which I couldn’t resist below – that makes you realise you can also explore your own identity, too.

So, how does it feel for Lola to see Labet adorning people’s homes?

 “It always feels very surreal but so warming when I see my work up in people homes or different spaces. It’s humbling to know that my art has connected with other people in different ways.”