Self-taught digital collage artist Selim Ayer
The Creative Edit: Selim Ayer
Posing five questions to new emerging contemporary artists and creatives, we take an informal yet quick and engaging view of their creative practice. Viewers get to discover more about the new generation of artists + creatives helping shape and narrate the creative landscape.
Briefly introduce yourself and describe your work in digital collaging.
I'm Selim Ayer (Seligrey), a self-taught digital collage artist from Accra, Ghana. My work blends Afrofuturism and Afro-Surrealism, elevating everyday African life through vibrant collages that challenge perceptions of identity and culture. I manipulate photographs, textures, and abstract forms to celebrate cultural practices, rituals, and daily experiences, showcasing the beauty and complexity of African culture.
Describe what Afrofuturism is to you and how you want that to evolve in your art practice and in real life.
To me, Afrofuturism is a way of envisioning a future that is deeply rooted in African culture and heritage while also embracing technology and innovation. It’s about imagining what could be possible for people of African descent in a world that often overlooks their contributions. I want my art practice to evolve by integrating more diverse narratives and voices within Afrofuturism, reflecting the multifaceted experiences of our communities. In real life, I hope to inspire others to think critically about the future we are building and encourage a dialogue that embraces our cultural legacies as we move forward.
What are some of the elements that make up or go into your digital collages?
My digital collages are composed of manipulated photographs, abstract geometries, and rich textures. I draw significant inspiration from African stories, folklore, and traditional motifs, seamlessly blending them with modern and futuristic elements. Color plays an essential role in my work, evoking emotion and setting the narrative’s tone. I also incorporate themes of nature, technology, and the human experience to craft cohesive stories that invite viewers to explore and engage with each piece. By intertwining these elements, my art becomes a space where the past meets the future, sparking dialogue and inviting reflection on the complexity and beauty of African culture.
Outside of making art, what are your other interests and hobbies?
Outside of art, I have a variety of interests that keep me inspired. I love exploring new music genres and attending live performances whenever I can. I'm also an avid movie enthusiast and enjoy watching a wide range of genres, including science fiction, comedy, horror, and documentaries like those from Nat Geo Wild. Spending time in nature whether it’s hiking or taking long walks in the city helps me stay connected to the world around me and often influences my creative process.
If you could design your dream digital collage no matter the size or the time it takes to create it, describe your vision with your dream characters, scenery, plot, etc.
My dream digital collage would be a vast, immersive landscape that tells a rich story of African heritage intertwined with futuristic elements. Picture a sprawling city with towering structures that mimic traditional African architecture, all adorned with vibrant patterns and colors. In this scene, I would feature characters representing different African cultures, each one equipped with advanced technology that harmonizes with their heritage. The plot would revolve around a journey of discovery, where these characters come together to confront challenges that threaten their world, learning from each other’s wisdom along the way. It would be a celebration of unity, diversity, and the endless possibilities that arise when we embrace our roots while looking towards the future.
Images are courtesy of the artist.