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Rooted in storytelling, his practice explores the relationship between drawing and painting. Drawing from observation, memory and collage, community is at the heart of his enquiry with subjects inhabiting both real and imagined spaces.

How long have you resided/worked in Haringey, and in which part of the borough do you live/work?

I have lived in the Wood Green/Alexandra Palace area for five years. I initially had a studio at Gaunson Creative Studios in Tottenham and am now based at Collage Arts in Wood Green.

As a creative/activist, how has Haringey influenced you?

I've moved many times in my life, but it is in Haringey that I truly feel settled. The borough’s vibrant cultural diversity, strong sense of community, and thriving creative scene make it a place where I feel that I can both feel at home and contribute.

What is your definition of a rebel?

A rebel to me is a critical thinker who is prepared to swim against the tide for what they believe in.

What’s the best careers advice you’ve received?

“If you feel safe in the area you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you’re capable of being in. Go a little bit out of your depth. And when you don’t feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting.”
- David Bowie, 1997

When and where do you feel at your most powerful?

I feel most powerful when I confront my fears and turn challenges into victories. Going back to university to pursue an MFA in painting after 10 years working in education was exactly that. Balancing my responsibilities while having a much needed incubation period for my practice hasn’t been easy, but as I near the end of the course, I’ve discovered much about my own capacity. It’s been a powerful reminder that growth happens when we step boldly into the uncomfortable.

What would be a dream contribution to Haringey’s year as the London Borough of Culture?

A dream contribution would be to create a street mural in the community I live in. I would love to collaborate with an archive like Bruce Castle Museum to develop a contemporary piece and/or exhibition inspired by the borough’s rich history, perhaps weaving together historical and contemporary narratives.

What is your favourite hidden Haringey gem?

Vegan Sunday Roast at Karamel on Coburg Rd is a fave. It’s a proper, hearty vegan roast with big portions, friendly service and a warm community vibe. They also regularly host great live events and it's literally across the road from my studio.

Which other Haringey creatives would you spotlight and why?

• ‍Rosa-Johan Uddoh (@rosa_johan): Writing, sound, and performance exploring Black British interiority and language.‍
• Matt Dosa (@matt.dosa): Mural-based painting focused on abstraction, colour, and movement in public space.‍
• Simone Brewster (@simonebrewster_london): Sculptural design examining Black British heritage, adornment, and power.‍
• Snooze Fabric (@snoozefabric): Creative design duo producing Art, Clothing and education packages that challenge perception and encourage individual thought.‍
• Essential School of Painting (@theesop): Alternative art school based in Wood Green, specialising in year long and short courses taught by leading contemporary artists.‍
• Precious Adesina (@preciousadesina): Journalist, speaker and radio presenter specialised in arts and culture, lifestyle and social politics.‍
• Ayesha Feisal (@ayeshasarthouse): Multidisciplinary artist working across painting, sculpture and digital media, exploring the human psyche and using creativity as a form of resistance and self-empowerment.‍
• Osman Yousefzada (@osmanstudio): Multidisciplinary artist and designer whose work spans fashion, writing, and performance to examine identity, migration, and social power.‍
• Johnny Costi (@bapou_costi): Artist whose work draws on lived experience of prison, using creativity as a means of expression, survival, and transformation.‍
• Anne Schilder (@annegmschilder): Sculptor, surgeon, trialist and Professor of Otorhinolaryngology.

Find out more about Neequaye Dreph Dsane’s work on his website: dreph.co.uk

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