Wealth 02 (2022) Photography by Oryiman Agbaka (St Valentino de Augusto)

Oryiman Agbaka, a contemporary Nigerian multidisciplinary visual artist, is known for his mastery of various mediums and styles, with a particular affinity for ballpoint pen art. Specializing in portraiture, Agbaka brings everyday experiences to life with a focus on realism, ensuring his subjects speak to the world authentically.

Agbaka's choice of ballpoint pen and ink as his primary tools is steeped in symbolism, as they are ancient instruments traditionally used for storytelling and writing. By harnessing these tools, Agbaka retells the stories and experiences of his subjects through intricately detailed portraits, capturing their individual expressions with precision.

Central to Agbaka's artistic process is his deep understanding of line language and movement, which he leverages to create layers of meaning within his work. He educates young black Africans about their inherent power by creating paintings that celebrate African culture and history, shedding light on their rich heritage.

In addition to his expertise in portraiture, Agbaka also explores other artistic avenues such as sculpting and street art painting, with plans to delve deeper into these realms in the future. His paintings cover a diverse range of topics, including politics, music, culture, and nature.

Agbaka's signature style, reminiscent of sfumato, an Italian technique championed by Leonardo da Vinci during the Renaissance period, is characterized by imperceptible transitions of light and shadow. This meticulous approach to his craft often results in masterpieces that require hundreds of hours of painstaking work, reflecting his unwavering dedication to his art.

Inspired by his love for luminescence and the captivating interplay of light on objects, Agbaka's creativity is fueled by his belief that light embodies the essence of life itself. With each stroke of his pen, he seeks to capture the essence of his subjects and illuminate their stories for the world to see.

• Nationality: NIGERIA
• Date of birth : unknown date
• Artistic domains: Represented by a Gallery,
• Groups: Contemporary Nigerian Artists Artists presented by a gallery

The Artist was highlighted in an article in Artmajeur Magazine:

A Brief History of The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci