MUKAH ISPAHANI - ARTIST & ILLUSTRATOR
NO BORDERS TO CREATIVITY!
There’s something to be said about trying to make art and creativity your purpose in life. There will always be hurdles and barriers, but if you want something enough, you’ll always find a way of making it happen. If you don’t believe me, then maybe the story of the latest Creative Nowhere Land Podcast guest might change your mind.
Originally from Cameroon and now based in the UK, talented artist and illustrator Mukah Ispahani has found joy in creating for his whole life, won awards and gained international recognition for his exceptional work, but it hasn’t been easy. While his artistic skills span multiple mediums, it was after seeing his intricate portraits, meticulously crafted using just a ballpoint pen, in a group exhibition that we were both a part of, that I decided I wanted to know more about Ispah's creative journey and explore how he developed his unique style. So, I invited him to be a guest on the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast.
THE PERCEPTION OF ARTISTS IN CAMEROON.
Despite its rich heritage of art and culture, the perception is that becoming an artist is not a ‘proper job’ in Cameroon. It seems like one of those universal traits; it doesn’t matter where you might have been born in the world, the starving artist idea still lives large in people’s heads.
Despite discovering his passion for art at a very young age, Ispah found himself navigating a cultural landscape where the role of artists is often undervalued. So, while still striving to do well in school, following the perceived 'safe route' with his education, he still had art as his main goal. Ispah began nurturing his talent and pushing the boundaries of his creativity through art programs, camps and competitions. Anything that he could do that was art-based, he did. Until his art received global acclaim with several awards, including the UNHCR Youth Global Winner and a top 20 place in the High Art Competition.
ART IN TIMES OF UNREST & GIVING BACK!
For many of us, art is a choice. For Ispah, it became something so much more than that. While at university, civil unrest broke out in Cameroon, and many people died or were caught up in the conflict, making studying and creating art more difficult. It’s hard for anyone who hasn’t been through it to understand what it’s like to try and make art under those conditions—how hard it is to stay inspired when the world feels unstable, and yet, how necessary it is. Because creativity, in its rawest form, is about finding a way forward. Sometimes, it’s about giving others a way forward too.
One of the most powerful parts of Ispah’s story is the way he turned his own passion into something bigger. And gave back to his community. He and his friends worked to foster a love for art among young people in Cameroon, creating their own art style camps, similar to the ones that Ispah was lucky enough to be a part of when he was younger. Teaching skills and nurturing young artistic talents. Proving that creativity isn’t just about individual expression—it’s about connection. It’s about lifting others up, and showing young people that their voices matter, that their art matters, and that it can be something more than just a hobby.
A New Chapter in the UK
Today, Ispah is based in the UK. We discuss his journey to get here and the challenges that it brings. Navigating a new landscape, moving to a new country, finding a way to sustain his creativity while earning money and meeting visa requirements, and building a life where his art can truly flourish—these are challenges, but they’re also opportunities, and Ispah recognises them as such. He has big plans!
MUKAH ISPAHANI - CNL PODCAST.
There’s something deeply inspiring about Ispah’s story, which is one of determination, hope and finding joy in creating. Ispah’s story reminds us that creativity isn’t just about talent or skill. It’s about persistence. It’s about finding meaning in the process, even when the outcome is uncertain. It’s about making art, not just because it’s what you love, but because it’s who you are.
So if you’ve ever felt like giving up on your creative path, if you’ve ever doubted whether your art matters—listen to this episode. Let Ispah’s journey remind you that art has the power to transcend borders, culture, and circumstance. And more importantly, that your creativity has the power to do the same.
Be sure to check out the links below to explore Ispah’s captivating work as you listen.
MUKAH ISPAHANI WEBSITE: https://mukahispahani.com/
MUKAH ISPAHANI INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ispah_art/
MUKAH ISPAHANI FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ispaart/
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