Daniel Oruwhone

The reoccurring themes in my works are; Body politics, exploring societal norms, expectations and power dynamics related to the human experience. I also explore the themes of vulnerability and intimacy, using the naked form to express personal identity, self perception and individuality. In my works I try to challenge the beauty standards and critiques of societal norms surrounding the human form.

One pivotal moment in my journey as an artist was when I transitioned from just making works solely for personal expression (though my works are still person in some sense) to intentionally crafting pieces that sparked meaningful conversations and connections with others. This shift in perspective allowed me to tap into the true power of art to inspire, challenge and unite people across diverse backgrounds and experiences. Through this journey I've grown not only as an artist but also as a storyteller and communicator, learning to allow the emotional and intellectual impact of art inspire positive change and foster deeper understanding among people.

I love the vibrant, rich and versatility of oil paints as this allows for subtle color transitions and textures. The canvas is also an important material in my practice , choosing the right surface to achieve my desired textures and effects, and most importantly, brushes. I love to use the hog brushes as this allows me retain, see and feel the looseness of the colors. Why my process are layering and block-ins, I prefer building up layers of paints to achieve depth and color effects. sketching, thumbnails and planning are also an important part of my process for these studies will help me determine what leaves and what remains on the canvas while composing. I also make observations and references; working sometimes from life with models, sometimes I take photographs of myself or these models to ensure accuracy and authenticity in figural representation. Using the oil paints allows me convey emotions with figurations , these enables me to explore human experiences and stories through the depiction of the human form. And achieving lifelike experiences through careful observations, planning and execution, these helps me create the life experience, I sometimes leave out the block-ins as they are so from a distance it feels complete and perfect, but in closer look the block-ins are seen. And this is a deliberate metaphor for the interpretation of us humans.

I want people to have emotional connections with my works and be in a moment of awe and wonder whether it's through joy, sadness, love or hate, but bringing them to introspection. Which will eventually get them motivated to think differently to create or take actions. Also want people to actively participate in my works narrative and themes.

A typical day in my studio is me making sketches, drawing exercises (some sketches don't make it to the canvas though). Then I go on to continuing a current project or beginning a new one, refining details and leaving some parts as block-ins. I take breaks to step back and reflect, assess the progressions and identify areas for additions or subtractions. I make time to read, research and seek inspirations. Sometimes I play video games, browse and visit exhibition openings or ongoing to stay inspired and informed A typical day in the studio is a dynamic balance of my creative focus and flexibility.

I have strong hopes and dreams to grow as an artist, sustaining a passion for my art and continually pushing the boundaries of my creativity. I dream of mastering my skills and techniques to effectively convey my artistic vision, exploring new ideas, mediums and styles to stay innovative and relevant. I hope to make works that keeps resonating with audiences far and bear and sparking meaningful conversations and foster connections. I hope to connect with like-minded individuals, collaborate with brands around the world and contributing to the art world. I hope to receive acknowledgement and appreciation for my works, whether through exhibitions, awards grants or critical acclaim. Showcasing my works in world renowned galleries, Museums, institutions and other prominent venues. These hopes and dreams drive my artistic journey, guiding me towards growth, connection, and fulfillment.