Practical Magic: Azikiwe Mohammed
install view of 396 Wortman Ave, a solo show of work by Azikiwe Mohammed, curated by Che Morales, at Anna Zorina Gallery, 2020
We are thrilled to launch Practical Magic, an online interview series with creatives discussing their practices - the highs, the lows, the daily routines, what inspires them, and more - proving art world creatives are the real influencers of today.
interview with: AZIKIWE MOHAMMED
artist, curator, Associate Director of Gloria’s Project Space
Off the bat, we enjoyed Azikiwe’s candid approach to the interview process - a brief intro to his practice, in his own words:
“I am from New York, currently live in New York and show stuff in places that aren't here but here too tho. Some cool places have stuff I have made which is nice, I went to undergrad a bunch of years ago and try to make objects that make things less sucky for people they suck for. “
And with that, we’ll dive right in.
PP: If you had to pick a film that you feel inspires your practice in some way, which would it be and why?
AM: The Spook Who Sat By The Door is the movie and “each one teach one” is the wave. It also lives as a reminder that I need to be Blacker tomorrow than I was today. That my blood cannot be free until those that share the same veins are as well.
[The film is based on the 1969 novel by the same name, about a former CIA agent who organizes teens in Chicago into a paramilitary black revolutionary movement that spreads nationwide.]
film still from The Spook Who Sat By The Door, 1978, starring Lawrence Cook
PP: Who or what are major influences for you right now and why?
AM: A list of people that make stuff do stuff: Mierle Laderman Ukeles, Melinda Hunt, Thundercat, Liz Baldwin, Patton Hindle, Theaster Gates, Babyface and Lauren Halsey.
PP: Did you receive a formal education for the work you do currently? Either way, do you think it has supported/informed the outcome of your career and your future goals?
AM: On paper, yes. I went to undergrad at Bard College, but very little I learned there applies to what I currently engage in. If I was wiser I would have went to trade school. I wish someone would have told me go to trade school. If you, reading this, is considering going to trade school, go to trade school. My formal schooling and its surrounding structure did not support me, but learning early that clawing your own reality out of the fractured pieces of other peoples others is the best way forward as the most core of lessons is paramount to current me. With support current me could have been better, but sans early support current me isn't a total garbage sack so there's that.
Current meme of choice?
PP: What are you listening to in your studio or when you work?
AM: (sorted by most played on iPod, in no particular order) MF Doom, Barry White, B52's, Yusef Lateef, Originoo Gunn Clappaz (and the larger Duck Down family), Iron Maiden, Smokey Robinson and Creedence Clearwater Revival
Install view from Mohammed’s solo show at SCAD Museum of Art, titled; Blackest Night: A Survey in Blackness
PP: Success & failure is subjective - what to you was the most successful moment that you’ve had as a creative, and why was it successful or meaningful to you? What was a moment of failure that you've had, and how did you overcome it?
AM: Most successful: Having my cousin see parts of himself he understands in a show I was responsible for - or - Turning a space I had into a space for a DJ to make the jams, only to end up having her dad who was also in the room take over jam patrol as he is a DJ also, then the both of them playing together.
Failure: When I have to talk too much. I am not against talking, but I should never have to. The times I have, which has happened more than once, I failed. Too many words from me means not enough space for the viewer to occupy. Less of me and more of them.
PP: Current binge-worthy tv/film recommendation(s)?
AM: Wonder Showzen, Reign: The Conqueror, Spawn, and Courage The Cowardly Dog
PP: What's your favorite article of clothing to wear and why?
AM: Gold chains, they go with everything.
Azikiwe at the Pioneer Works Annual Village Fete, 2018
Azikiwe’s free traveling photo studio, Armorphoto Studio, as installed at Blank Space in St. Louis, MO during The Luminary's triennial, Counterpublic
Finally, we ask each of our interviewers which of our Made in Paradice tees would they most want to wear?
Azikiwe’s pick wasn’t too much of a surprise :)
PP x Melissa Eder Tee
You can check out more from Azikiwe Mohammed on the web and in Instagram at:
Practical Magic interviews posts every Tuesday and Thursday - check back weekly to see who we’re chatting with next.