Bernard Oguru
Bernard's artistic journey began in his childhood as a Nigerian living in England. He possesses a diverse and versatile skill set, having graduated from the University of Lagos with a focus on creative art. A passionate and talented individual, Bernard has explored various realms of artistic expression, including music, theatre, and visuals.
Throughout his artistic endeavours, he has gained invaluable experiences that have shaped his path and led him to become an artist who conveys his thoughts through both painting and singing.
Bernard is a proud member of the Society of Nigerian Artists (S.N.A), and his artistic style encompasses impressionism and realism in portrait commissions and wall murals. However, he also cherishes his unique identity and prefers to infuse his work with his own distinct style. His Western education has played a significant role in enhancing his ethnic roots, resulting in artworks that reflect both aesthetic values and his commitment to promoting and preserving African culture and heritage in the diaspora. By staying connected to ancestral imagery and transforming it into modern contemporary art, Bernard showcases the resonance of his works with the cubism of Pablo Picasso, particularly exploring distorted human forms as a case study.
Bernard has traversed time and space, making his art a visionary representation of the future. He achieves this by refining traditional West African crafts, reimagining masquerade imagery, and incorporating the ancient Osun Oshogbo style of Yoruba art into his unique form of abstraction. With the ability to effortlessly switch between conversational and contemporary abstract styles, Bernard skilfully merges themes, creating captivating narratives on canvas. This artistic approach demonstrates his credibility in delving deep into untold stories and addressing issues prevalent in Africa. His works exude warmth and captivate viewers with their earthy colours, intricate lines, and motifs, often employing pigments and incorporating native textiles onto his paintings.
Bernard truly embodies the essence of an artist who leaves a profound impact through his art.
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