Fatshimetrie: Through the work of Oluwafemi Omoboriowo
Oluwafemi Omoboriowo’s artistic work, through both critical and conceptual portraits, offers an innovative perspective on human emotions and experiences. Using an abstract approach, the artist explores the hidden feelings of individuals, transcending genres and cultural boundaries.
The monochrome textures created by Omoboriowo, often made with charcoal and graphite pencils, exude a particular sensitivity. Sometimes, he even uses unconventional media such as discarded newspapers to enrich the canvas with his artistic vision. By blending aesthetics and criticism, Omoboriowo aims to generate a lasting appreciation for his art, beyond its commercial value.
A virtual visit to the artist’s studio allows you to explore the depth of his creative work. Between emotional expression and aesthetics, Omoboriowo manages to create a subtle balance. A striking example is her work titled “Identity In Wintry Winds,” which captures the culture shock experienced by an African woman in the United Kingdom. Beneath the emotional appearance of the face, the contrast between the monochrome subject and the woman’s hands creates an atmosphere of curiosity, beyond the simple emotion expressed.
Through her compositions, Omoboriowo takes viewers on a critical journey of artistic appreciation. For example, the emotional expression of a face superimposed on a nation’s flag, such as the British Union Jack, evokes the issues of immigration that many Africans face in the diaspora. Although the work may appear to be a pro-immigration plea, it actually reveals the inner struggle of an immigrant facing a brutal and confusing reality.
In “Identity In Wintry Winds,” Omoboriowo explores the conflict between the original identity and the new cultural expectations faced by the woman, dressed in a fabric representing the British flag. This symbolic fusion reflects the dilemma of integrating into a foreign culture, at the expense of one’s own heritage. The contrast between the woman’s warmth and the cold background highlights the emotional and external challenges of immigration, illustrating the complexity of balancing one’s roots with one’s new reality.
Some might challenge the notion of culture shock for adult immigrants who were aware of the challenges before leaving for what is commonly known as “japa” in Nigeria. However, Omoboriowo’s work subtly captures the immigrants’ struggle to adapt to a new life in the diaspora, between culture shock and nature shock.
While “Identity in Wintry Winds” may seem to stray from Omoboriowo’s usual realistic or hyperrealistic style, it remains true to her desire to tell profound narratives through her portraits. Beyond aesthetic debates, the artist’s work encourages deeper reflection on contemporary societal and cultural issues.
After expressing his natural talent for drawing for many years, Oluwafemi Omoboriowo studied fine arts at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, specializing in painting. His work has been exhibited at various art events, testifying to his rise to prominence in the contemporary art scene. Through his commitment to critical and conceptual art, Omoboriowo leaves a deep mark on the world of contemporary art.