An International Women's Day Interview with Artist, Friend and Incredible Mama, Christina Kimeze

There’s a magnetic energy in Christina Kimeze’s work—her vibrant colour palettes, layered textures, and multidimensional storytelling evoke passion, introspection, and curiosity. Every time I see her work in person, I find myself wanting to stand just inches away, examining every detail (much to the concern of gallery security!). Given the intricacy and depth of each piece, you’d assume they took years to create. But remarkably, this most recent show came together in a short span of time—while Christina was newly postpartum with her second child and navigating the profound grief of losing her father.

Christina is not only a brilliant London-based artist but also a wonderful friend. Her practice spans painting and drawing, exploring themes of memory, emotion, and the nuances of everyday life. To celebrate International Women’s Day, Christina invited me into her world to discuss her creative process, the inspirations behind her captivating solo show at the South London Gallery, and the delicate balancing act of being both an artist and a mother to her two little beauties, Iris and Max.

Christina's solo show is currently running until the 11th May in the South London Gallery and Christina can be found on Instagram @itskimeze and her website Christinakimeze.com 

Photo Credit: Lily Bertrand Webb

IWD INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTINA:

 F: What led you to becoming an artist? Did you always know that was your path?

C: Looking back, with hindsight, I realise that I have always wanted to be an artist. It was hard to see at the time as I just made things my whole life - drawings, paintings - I’ve always had a commitment to making art despite no one in my family working in a creative field - I don’t know where it came from I just have always had it. It took me a while to have the confidence to focus on making my (art) work. I had always fitted it around various jobs and then it was having my first child that gave me the confidence to take the plunge and quit my job and apply for art school.

F: Your most recent EXCELLENT solo show was created in such a deeply transformative time—the postpartum period after having your second baby, Max, and the bewildering grief of losing your dear dad. How do you think these profound but also contrasting experiences shaped your work?

C: Well, firstly, thank you for saying that. Life and death are profound and confusing and again, you just get on with it don’t you; but now I’ve made the show I feel privileged to be able to look back at the work and reflect - to have the opportunity to have made something creative in this time (aside from a human!) to reflect upon is a privilege. In truth I’m still making sense of the work. In a way it was this huge release to have given birth and with that came a huge amount of freedom in the work - both in subject and materiality. I think that freedom is there and then also there’s an exuberance in palate which on reflection really kicked in once my dad passed. I think in a way it was a way of coping. 

F: How did you navigate the emotional and physical demands of early motherhood while also needing to create this show?

Practically speaking it helped being second time around - first time I had a really difficult first 8 weeks of breastfeeding but then it all started working well! Second time I was really worried about that but then it just worked and that was hugely liberating for me. I also had help this time and honestly couldn’t have done it without our amazing support network and having childcare, in my case from when little max was 8 weeks old. I think for mums that find themselves in a similar situation having to work from early doors; I would say having my studio near home was a game changer as meant I could pop home every few hours to breastfeed and just hang out. It was really tough nonetheless and I think just be kind to yourself - looking back I had ALL the feelings - huge swings between the highs of feeling youve got the best of both - freedom to make your work still and having your perfect baby - to the lows of mum guilt and sadness (and jealousy!) at not being with him all the time. I was all over the shop!

F: Art can be healing, but it can also be incredibly vulnerable. Did your creative process feel like an outlet or a challenge during this time?

C: Honestly it was a huge privilege to have the show to focus on. As a marker of time - that I was here and exist - of that profound time of life and death as you put it. I know that might sound odd but I think creating anything is a bit like that. On some level it’s a way of proving that you are here and exist. I want to be surprised by what I make and when that happens I still feel amazed that thing I made didn’t exist a few months or weeks or hours before. Having a baby is like that too, it is certainly the most magical act of creation. But I also think it’s so different; when I make an artwork there’s something about it being mine to make to dream up; whereas with babies they are not really ours in the same way, they are very much themselves from the start!

Credit: Courtesy of Christina Kimeze. Photo: Matthew Hollow : (Pieces in order of appearance: Screen (I), Arches, Soaring (II), Under the Clouds (I)

F: How do you think your babies have influenced your art?

C: Many things but foremost it is an honesty and straightforwardness (to Iris) when she makes an artwork “what are you making Iris?”- “I don’t know, just seeing what happens”.. ~ I think there’s a version of this sentiment at the core of any great artwork that feels honest and surprising. So that’s hugely inspiring for me to try and harness. I love painting and drawing with Iris

F: As your children grow up, how do you hope they will see your relationship with both motherhood and being a successful artist?

C: These are such great questions and I wish I had the answers. I have a friend who’s a great artist who has had 3 children and gave me some great advice to try and make the studio open to your children. I think children help you use your time to work well. They sure do focus you but then it’s hard to include them in that time as it’s so scarce. So yes I’m managing that and trying to somehow carve out time whilst also including them in the process. It’s not easy but I think seeking advice of people you respect can be a good place to start.