Artist Spotlight: Talanje
Talanje is an artist based in New York, originally from Nairobi, Kenya. Recently, we featured Talanje in our GIRLS issue, so we caught up with Talanje to talk about all things artistry, inspiration, and passion.
Give a little of your background. Some interesting things about you that you think you could share?
I graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2022 and moved to New York pursuing a double life as a comic artist and a video artist. At my core, I am a storyteller and historian - I love documenting and preserving -from words to images to videos. The expression brings me joy and the preservation and impact give me purpose. At the moment I am running Instincts! Which is a comic and illustration anthology of work made from a feminine perspective.
When did you discover that you had a passion for art?
My art journey started with animation and music videos. I loved watching music videos. At the time, I was convinced I was going to be a pop star. And then Daft Punk released the ‘One More Time’ music video which just blew my socks off. The intersection of visual and sonic art in the piece mesmerizes me. At the time, I don’t think anything had sparked me the way it had. So I started trying to replicate it - from the images to the sounds. I was obsessed. It’s been a slippery slope from then on.
Your art is very bright and bold. What inspires your pieces?
There are moments when you can physically feel the energy in the air. You’re walking in the rain and you can feel a sense of relief wash as each raindrop hits you. A loved one holds your hand and they take some of your anxiety away. A stranger walks by and you have the most honest eye contact of your life. You watch the sunset and it moves you to tears, but you don’t know why. I am very inspired by these subtle yet highly charged moments. I feel very grounded and connected through them. I try to express those emotions in my work - so I like to go for a more bold expression.
How do you stay inspired?
Lately, I’ve been trying to be more vulnerable in experiencing life and new things. I am a very big culprit of ruminating on what I think I should be doing, which makes me beat myself up about it - leaving me drained, depressed, and unable to create - putting me back at square one. I am learning to let go of the outcome and enjoy the journey. For me, inspiration has always happened randomly - like a surfer waiting on a wave. I try to focus on practicing my art and improving my techniques, which takes away the feelings of anxiety and not doing enough. And when the big one finally comes, I can ride the wave.
What’s your favorite thing about being an artist?
I love being in control of my routine. I enjoy creating in the evening up till the early hours of the morning. I find that I am more social during the day - reaching out to people and doing all the dog work to keep the ship running. However, I am at the stage where things feel a little bit unpredictable and I am not sure what I am doing half the time. I am still in the process of learning my flow, routine, and what works for my lifestyle, and loving every minute of self-discovery.
How does your identity shape your art?
In terms of my identity, I am a very confused being. Physically, it is very easy for me to portray myself. I am proud to portray people who look like me and have been around me. It is very important for me to represent my community. However, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually are always one breakthrough after the other. Sometimes I feel as though I am not even conscious of these parts and that I am in a constant battle with my sense of self. I am always learning new parts of myself and shedding old skins. So I try to be vulnerable and show what is going on in my mind.
What is some advice that you would have for other artists who are in a constant cycle of perfecting their craft?
Trust your instincts!
Keep up with Talanje, here:
@da.gorett on instagram
