Awareness Post: Okamar Onesmus

"Recollection", Oil on Canvas,2023

Okamar Onesmus is a contemporary African Artist, whose artwork primarily deals with social issues, such as unity and mental health. Onesmus would win 2 Mask Prize awards for best painting in 214, and later in 2016, and holding many exhibitions.

"Peace From Brocken Pieces", Oil on Canvas, 2023

One thing that I especially like about Onesmus' more recent pieces is his expert use of oil and understanding of the medium. His application and blending makes everything look so smooth and almost soft to the touch. Due to his style, the way he draws fabrics and clothing is very appealing from an artistic perspective.

Another thing I like is his use of vibrant colors. In my opinion, his more recent artworks look a lot like church icons, with their use of smooth colors and blends, stark contrast, and slight abstraction of the human figure.

The themes of social issues such a as unity present in his artwork are intrinsically related to what I am currently learning in my History and Literature classes, which is African resistance to oppression. And unity is a major facet of fighting against oppression, you must have unity if you wish to efficiently accomplish a goal.

"The Guider", Oil on Canvas, 2023

One stylistic choice that I find slightly off-putting his the way Onesmus paints faces. For me personally, the way he paints heads falls into the uncanny valley as they are realistic depictions of a face, but they are just a bit to small/disproportionate for the body. However, this stylistic choice is still great when it comes to distinguishing ones work and making it unique.