Getting to know OUTSIDETHEWOODS inside and out
Nolan Chichi Kalwandu also known as Outsidethewoods is a contemporary artist/illustrator based in Johannesburg. He practises in visual arts, his aesthetic is drawn from his childhood love of video games and animated tv shows. Combining bold colours and characters to create out of the ordinary pieces.
Provide an introduction to yourself? Where did you grow up, what /where did you study/currently studying?
My name is Nolan Chichi Kalwandi. Though I was born in Zambia, South Africa has been my home since I was five years old, particularly Johannesburg, where I grew up in a neighbourhood called the Oval. It wasn’t the easiest upbringing, with limited opportunities, especially for someone like me who was deeply interested in the arts. The emphasis was always on traditional academic subjects like maths and English. Despite this, I’ve been drawn to art since I was five, and it’s been a constant passion of mine.
After high school, I enrolled at the University of Johannesburg to study architecture, but financial constraints forced me to leave after two years. This was a tough period for me, and I found myself working various odd jobs, mainly in retail, just trying to make ends meet. During this time, art took a back seat as I grappled with uncertainty about my future.
It wasn’t until I started hanging out with a new group of friends that my interest in art was reignited. One of them handed me a Samsung tablet with a stylus, and as I started doodling, they were surprised by my talent. Their encouragement pushed me to start drawing again, although at that point, I didn’t have any concrete plans for it.
However, my friends, who were still involved in the arts, saw potential in me and urged me to pursue it further. Slowly, I began to explore the possibilities, unsure of where it would lead me in the digital age. Despite my uncertainties, I’m grateful for the journey so far and the opportunities that have come my way.
Your work recognises the idea of never letting go of the inner child through joy and curiosity? How was your childhood?
Reflecting on my childhood feels like a recent memory, though it was laden with both challenges and moments of joy. These experiences have profoundly influenced who I am today. Growing up, I faced a blend of traumatic events that shaped my worldview and interactions. Despite the hardships, I’ve come to view them as part of my journey, rather than obstacles. As a black individual, navigating life’s complexities often requires resilience beyond measure. My upbringing, like many others, was marked by a lack of stability, yet I refuse to let it define me negatively.
Instead, I embrace my past as a catalyst for growth and understanding. Rather than allowing fear to dictate my actions, I confront it head-on, channelling it into my artwork. The bold colours and figures in my pieces symbolise the fears we all grapple with, urging viewers to acknowledge and embrace them. My childhood was characterised by a mix of rough experiences, but also moments of connection and gratitude, particularly towards my mother, who raised me single-handedly.
While my upbringing wasn’t easy, I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s shaped me into the person I am today, continually learning and evolving. I’m committed to allowing myself to make mistakes without letting them define me, striving to create a better future for myself and those around me.
Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?
My approach to art revolves around sparking conversations and allowing viewers to interpret my pieces freely. Instead of explicitly stating the meaning behind each artwork, I aim to subtly reveal aspects of myself while leaving room for individual interpretation. Drawing inspiration from artists like Salvador Dali, I enjoy deconstructing the norm and presenting it in a surreal yet thought-provoking manner.
The goal is to create a space for dialogue where viewers can share their own narratives inspired by my work. I’ve witnessed firsthand how people connect with my pieces on a personal level, often attributing their own stories and experiences to them. This unintended but meaningful connection highlights the power of art to transcend literal interpretations and evoke diverse emotions and perspectives.
What have been the common misconceptions that you’ve heard about your art?
There haven’t been many misconceptions about my work. The main question I get asked is about my process and equipment. People often assume I have a professional studio setup, but in reality, I started with just a cell phone and laptop. It’s only been in the past year or so that I’ve gained recognition for my art. I enjoy sparking conversations about my pieces and prefer to let viewers interpret them freely. Overall, there aren’t many misconceptions, which is fine by me—I’m focused on fostering meaningful dialogue through my art.
How has monetising your art been working for you?
My background as a visual creative began with architecture, which introduced me to Photoshop. This sparked my interest in graphic design, a field where I naturally excelled. When my architecture pursuits didn’t pan out, I turned to graphic design, creating cover art and designs for friends. Eventually, I landed a job in an NGO as an online content designer, leveraging my Photoshop skills. While graphic design provided stability, I continued to pursue illustration on the side. Despite fewer opportunities in illustration initially, my diverse skill set and experience with Photoshop opened doors for me.
Monetizing my artwork began with people reaching out for custom profile pictures, which kept me motivated to continue. Discovering successful artists like Karabo Poppy inspired me to take my craft seriously. My goal became to shape perceptions of African art. Collaboration with Jasper and Jute marked my transition to selling artwork to hotels and overseas clients. Despite success, navigating opportunities as a self-represented artist has been challenging. Offers often expect free work or lay-by payment terms, which I find unsustainable. Seeking advice from mentors, I’ve learned to prioritise the value of my work and not compromise my worth.
What projects would you like to explore in your future?
One of my main goals right now is to secure more brand collaborations. Back in 2018, I envisioned my artwork featured on products like sneakers, inspired by an ad I saw. Collaborations like that would be a dream come true for me. While I hesitate to call myself an “up-and-coming” artist, I’m eager to explore opportunities that elevate my work and reach new audiences.
Many African artists traditionally followed a specific approach to art, often involving intricate patterns. While I deeply respect this tradition, my own artistic journey has taken a different path. I want to emphasise that my approach doesn’t diminish the richness of African art; rather, it reflects the diversity of experiences within our culture. As an emerging artist, I aim to showcase how modern influences, like technology, shape our perspectives. Moving forward, I hope to use collaborations as a platform to highlight this evolution in African artistry.
The perception of African art often confines artists to a specific style or approach. Despite this, I believe it’s crucial for international audiences to accept and appreciate the diversity of African artistic expression. My own experience reflects this struggle, as I’ve encountered expectations to conform to a certain “contemporary African art” style. However, I remain committed to preserving my unique approach while collaborating with brands. It’s essential for me to maintain my identity as an African artist, even as I pursue opportunities in the global market. My goal is to inspire young black creators to dream big while staying true to their roots and artistic vision.
