The Rose Marie Ines Gallery : Ouigi & his Future Proof journey

We sat down with Ouigi Theodore for a few questions about his art and journey. His balancing act and journey of going from Graphic Artist, Creative Director to now simply “Artist” and what it means for his future and the future of any of his partnerships.

What happens when The Artist inherits Ivy?

OT: This is an interesting question. Where should I start? Not sure if I should go back as far as experiencing the IVY lifestyle when visiting my father at a very young age in Haiti. I remember his home having this very grand courtyard and entrance with very large trees. It almost felt like a forrest. Peacocks roamed the property and inside the home he had a library with antique furnishing all over the home.

I left Haiti in the 80s returning for a year and several times after but never again saw my father. In America my first exposure to that world was Ralph Lauren, or shows like Dallas and Dynasty. But I was particularly attracted to the “Lo Life” culture that was present in the Flatbush area and Crown Heights where I grew up. The culture felt like it was taking and reclaiming a dream that was not made for us. We left our wealth in Haiti, not by choice and traded it for the American Dream. We’ve accomplished it in the many years since the family migrated to the US. My home now surrounded by large trees and wildlife as I build my library of art and design inside of it—coincidence? But as an artist I continue to interrogate at what cost then and if it’s still available to the next generation. Fear of existence and resistance and overstimulation will erase a lot of opportunities.

Who was your muse when developing the Artist archetype?

OT:  The Artist is personal and another chapter of my life. For many years I labeled myself Graphic Artist or Creative Director. Now I am confident to understand that I was an artist all along and should embrace the self imposed tittle. What exactly does that mean? It means being free to create and discuss the works when “I am” ready. Create more with my hands, be open to discuss uncomfortable things that have danced in my head and also showed up in my past work. Discomfort is my new place of comfort. I have so much to do and share that I don’t think comfort is a choice anymore. Don’t mix up discomfort with no rest, the idea of grind is not my process— Rest and having a sabbath (a day of reflection) is key for me. I don’t see discomfort as working nonstop. I see it as exploring things that I probably would run from in the past and addressing them head on. Who cares what people think and say. Express yourself, be kind and live free.

What belongs in The Artist’s world besides clothing?

OT: If man cannot live by bread alone, clothing is no different. Food, interiors, transportation, books, archiving, open forums, photography. To be honest the artist leads with the feeling, then the work, then the uniform (clothing). The clothing is made to be worn in and out of the studio. It still follows my philosophy of Tailored Casual.

Do you consider yourself an Artist?

OT: Yep!

How does The Artist understand luxury?

OT:  One can say that it’s a luxury to be an artist. Even if you are an artist living in a very troubling environment—in that case you don’t have the luxury not to create so you must, the world needs to hear your story. Like the guys from Atis Rezistans from Grand Rue in Port-au-Prince. They completely changed their lives by building this art community and invited folks from outside the community to experience their story through art and sculpture. Now that’s luxury…