ABOUT OSCAR UKONU
Oscar Ukonu (b. 1993) resides and works in Lagos Nigeria. Through an iconography of personal and cultural references, Ukonu's distinctive style is one of investigation; crisscrossing gender, religion and sociopolitical dimensions in examining complexities of African identity and pride. His approach in portraiture interrogates sociohistorical influences on contemporary identities, viewing them as dynamic and evolving constructs.
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By exploring the psychological and socio-political dimensions of identity in the context of contemporary digital culture, news media, and technology, Ukonu provides a profound commentary on modern life. Drawing from the depths of individual experience and a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, his work highlights the interplay of stability and change in a world shaped by ever-shifting paradigms.
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With his works in significant collections both in Nigeria and internationally, Ukonu has featured in a select exhibitions including: 'Insanity', Omenka Gallery, Lagos(2016); 'Nigeria 5', Corridor Contemporary, Tel Aviv (2021); 'Souls and Spirits' Voltz Clarke Gallery, New York, NY (2022)
ARTIST STATEMENT
Finding words as a limiting form of expression in a visually colourful world, my work serves as a medium to lend voice to engage pertinent issues in the society and environment – how we perceive and react to them. With my work, I look at the role of sociohistorical influences on contemporary identities, believing identities as socially constructed and constantly changing.
I describe my creative process as a practice in time and patience, working approximately 200 to 400 hours on a project. I approach every project as a research work that involves processes of writing, sketching and photography before the final drawing.
As part of my existential experience as an artist, I aim to provoke thought and engage my audiences intellectually with my work through visual dialogues that establish a relationship with the viewer and set to encourage their participation to the same extent as my involvement in it.