Abstract Benna is a South London born spoken-word artist and performer who draws inspiration from his love of community. Using words to paint pictures, Abstract Benna reflects on the culture, history and diverse community of Brixton.
How has Covid-19 affected the space in which you work and create? (Do you normally work at home, studio space or outside?)
I usually work outside, in a coffee shop or local communal areas, so with everything being closed down it has been really difficult finding spaces to create.
How has creating amidst a worldwide pandemic adapted your practice through the themes and methods you use?
I’ve had to seek out new ways to stimulate my mind; I’ve done this by visiting local parks with hills and allowing myself to get lost in the view of London. This has helped me to take my mind out of the current situation and get lost in thoughts which help to spark new ideas.
Have you faced creative block during lockdown, if so how have you worked through it?
Yes, I’ve stopped trying to write and started soaking in new information whether that’s reading more books or talking to friends and family members more and getting to know them all over again. This has taken the pressure away from me feeling like I have to be creative and instead letting it flow naturally.
If any, how have you used existing creative skills in a completely new way?
I’ve taken up other forms of creativity for example building toy rockets out of plastic bottles. Literally just channelling my inner child and seeing what I end up making with throwaway objects.
What things have brought you joy and hope that you’d like to share?
The acknowledgement of key workers and how important they are to our society, when we’re on the edge of death.
