Ibou Ndoye

Artist IBOU NDOYE is energized by the world around him. By understanding the larger scope involved in world issues, he's able to create works of art that transcend words. Check out five things that inspire and motivate Ndoye to continually create new work.

Famine in Africa. I have been deeply affected for many years by what has existed in Africa for decades: the starvation, dryness and misery. The dying tree is the same as the sorrow of a disappearing man. It is now what remains in Africa. These things are always in my thoughts. Surrealism. I use surrealism to better express my feelings about the awful deaths befalling Africans today. Whether the end comes in the form of starvation or other sufferings and miseries, none of God's creatures should be exposed to that type of torment. Surrealism, more than any other movement, expresses that kind of pleading and expression, allowing for emotion to come from twisted trees and dynamics to be seen in cloud formations in my paintings. The sky. When I look at the sky constantly changing color, and the clouds forming strange illusions, I look up and think, "God is the greatest artist. I really love painting clouds." My little boy. My adorable little boy, Mbacke, is the root of my heart. This young guy already knows how to draw, and he does it well. When I'm painting, he's always there watching, ready to criticize and that gives me more strength and motivation to get things done. Perfection. When I do a commissioned work (portrait, painting or mural), the goal is to achieve the client's approval. Therefore, I insist on spending a lot of time with the details trying to make it perfect. I like challenging myself and getting things done well.

Articulations offers five things important to one of Cincinnati's visual artists. To be considered, contact Jacquelyn Vaughn, jvaughn@citybeat.com.