Artist Interview: Maxwell DeWunmi

Oct 2

Written By DAB

Maxwell DeWunmi is a digital artist, illustrator, and graphic designer from Nigeria. He was raised in the northern central city of Jos and is now based in Lagos. He has studied physics and works mostly with 3d software.

When he first started creating digital artworks and NFTs, he says, he was fixated on the idea that his art needs to look African. He later realized that his art is most powerful when he focuses on what inspires him personally and found his unique style that depicts a beautiful dystopian reality.

We asked Maxwell about his art, creative process, and inspirations.

*3D digital art: Original Sin, 2022 by Maxwell DeWunmi*

Can you tell us about your background as a digital artist? How did you get started in this field?

I first started as a graphic designer in 2020. I had a day job and learned to design for marketing and advertising purposes. I loved the experience I gained from it but at some point it wasn’t enough for me to express myself and my ideas. I wanted to make more expressive work. And so I started making photographic compositions and photo manipulations in Photoshop and then elevated my skills to 3d art because it gave more freedom of expression. And I have been honing my skills in 3d art ever since…

What inspires your art? Are there any particular themes or subjects that you enjoy exploring through your artwork?

For now what inspires my art is beauty. I love making things that are just so pleasing to look at and aesthetically attractive. But I am gradually learning how to make my art more functional, meaningful and emotive.

*3D digital art: Orders From Above, 2022 by Maxwell DeWunmi*

How do you balance technical skills with artistic creativity in your digital artwork? How do these two aspects complement each other in your work?

Sometimes artistic creativity overwhelms me, because I have ideas I would want to execute but my technical skills are not exactly there yet. So most times I procrastinate the idea till I have the technical know-how to execute it. I have learned that the best way to keep overcoming my shortcomings in the aspect of technical know-how is to keep learning and improving on my old work.

Can you share an example of a challenging project you've worked on recently? What were the obstacles you encountered, and how did you overcome them?

A recent challenging project for me was a couple of passion projects that I have been involved in. I have been trying to create a vibrant portfolio in Product Package design. Package design is one of my passions and learning how to make brand-centred design has been on my mind for a long time. It is still ongoing and I recently collaborated with an illustrator to make a package design and we made some magic together.

*3D digital art: In Memory Of Nothing, 2022 by Maxwell DeWunmi*

How would you define the digital art space in where you’re based?

The digital art scene here is still growing. When you tell someone that you are an artist they would assume that you are a painter or a sculptor. You would then have to introduce yourself as a Digital artist and then have to answer questions about what that entails. But recently I got an opportunity to exhibit my artworks digitally, and I have also seen other artists exhibiting their artworks on digital screens as well, and that tells me that the acceptance of digital art is growing in these parts.

Can you tell us about Before I had a name — what was the creative process like, and what’s special about it?

This artwork speaks about identities. People are identified by their names. Your name is your identity. Before your name is chosen for you by your parents, you have no identity. You are nameless and FACELESS. But when your name is chosen, your identity is stamped and sealed. I believe this is one of my best artworks this year because It has almost all the elements that I love to include in my work from Balance to symmetry and simplicity.

*3D digital art: Before I had a name, 2023 by Maxwell DeWunmi*
`Before I had a name is one of the featured artwork for DAB’s virtual exhibition “We’ve been dreaming about a magical jungle” at The Wrong Biennale!`

What would we most probably find you doing if not creating art?

I am probably listening to music or gaming or reading a book, if I am not making art.

What advice would you give to aspiring digital artists who are just starting out? Are there any resources or learning materials you would recommend to help them improve their skills?

For advice, I would say...Learn to make relatable art. It is something I am currently learning to do, because my art tends to be more philosophical or "too serious". Also, I would advice on the importance of having a social life where you get to meet and connect with others so they can know exactly what you do and what value you can offer them.