Iwa l’ewa (Character is beauty) 21st century contemporary West African art, 2025

Orioye Samuel  

About Artist

Orioye Samuel born in 1993 in Osogbo and hailing from Ekiti State, Samuel is a self-taught artist who graduated with a degree in Chemistry from the University Of Ilorin, Nigeria in 2015. Samuel’s artistic creations speak through colors abstraction that seamlessly traverses the memories, life in itself, and emotions. Samuel is a full-time artist whose creative exploration has evolved beyond mere rhetorical aesthetics, as is often suggested by prevailing trends. His unique stylistic sense with silhouettes in colors and expressionism. This fusion is complemented by a strong sense of pop culture.

Gender and its intersection with identity, memories, nature, and the overall well-being of people are central themes in Samuel’s work. Evolving curiosity and inspiring exploration. His works delve into the nuances of investigative narratives, memories, identities, and personality. His art draws inspiration from societal issues, the beauty of life, culture, and freedom. Samuel hopes that his works serve as an elixir for viewers, offering simplicity, determination, and harmlessness in their interpretations. He currently works and lives in Ibadan.

Artist Statement

In my work, I strive to embody the timeless wisdom encapsulated in the slogan "simplicity is the highest sophistication." Inspired by the elegance found in simplicity, I seek to distill complex concepts and emotions into their purest forms. Through minimalistic compositions and restrained aesthetics, I aim to evoke profound responses and ignite contemplation within the viewer.

My creative process is guided by a commitment to stripping away excess, leaving only the essential elements that resonate deeply with the human experience using colors. By embracing simplicity, I invite viewers to engage with my work on a visceral level, encouraging introspection and fostering connections between the self and the universal.