LAGOS, NIGERIA – Patrick Onyekwere, a talented Nigerian artist, is making waves in the art world with his breathtaking photorealistic portraits. Onyekwere’s portraits are not just visually stunning but also emotionally charged, capturing the essence of his subjects in a way that is both powerful and thought-provoking.
Before sketching with blue ballpoint pen, Onyekwere engages in a conversation with each of his subjects, delving into their experiences, contemporary culture, and nature to establish the mood or story he wants to convey. The result is a collaborative endeavor that organically merges the perspectives and histories of both the artist and his subject.
The artist meticulously shades and crosshatches every inch of his hyperrealistic pieces, taking inspiration from photographs of his subjects for reference. Onyekwere sees his portraits as a way of “speaking for those who can’t speak for themselves” and finds the eyes to be the most interesting part of his work.
“They mirror some of our deepest desires, fears, inhibitions, perceptions, thoughts, most of which we ourselves are consciously unaware of,” says Onyekwere. “The eyes have the power to convey emotions and feelings and also communicate and connect to the viewer, inviting them to live in an untold story, in such a way they don’t see an already existing piece but take part in the creation of it.”
Onyekwere’s portraits are more than just beautiful works of art; they are powerful statements about humanity and the human condition. Through his art, Onyekwere is exploring the power of art to give voice to those who might not otherwise be heard and to bring attention to important issues.
If you’re looking for stunning, emotionally charged artwork that will leave a lasting impression, look no further than Patrick Onyekwere’s photorealistic portraits.
Patrick Onyekwere
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Via: Thisiscolossal