CREATIVE FACTORY ✍🏼🖼

THE OLAYOMBO EFFECT

Samuel working on an unfinished piece Source:Instagram

Samuel Olayombo is a Nigerian born and raised contemporary artist currently based in Accra-Ghana.A fine and applied arts graduate from the University of Benin,Olayombo is a huge texture lover who works with oils,acrylics,charcoal and pastels to create vibrant,dramatic and thought provoking large scale canvases of predominantly male,non-gender normative portraits.

Samuel working in his studio
Source:Instagram

The popular scarification(scarring culture) among the Yoruba tribe is one of the key things that influences the skin textures of each piece the artist works on.Olayombo uses a pallet knife to convey intricate and delicate 3-dimensional skin textures.

In as much as the scarring culture influences his works,he also seeks to explore the toxic masculinity,macho male culture,construct of sexuality,gender roles and gender equality.

Samuel envisions his striking portraits as and effort to change the representation and narrative on what it means to be a man.The great Vincent Van Gough and Arja Valimaki are two artists who inspire and Olayombo and the stunning pieces he creates.

“UNCHAINED:The Cotton Candy Cowboys” is one exhibition that shed light on the artist’s unique style.The bright pink color on each piece was captivating and the artist described the pink clothing and background as a symbol of softness,kindness,nurturance and compassion;qualities that are often related to the female gender.

“UNCHAINED:THE COTTON CANDY COWBOYS” on show at the Ada contemporary art gallery Source: Instagram

The works throughout the show build on crossing the bridges and boundaries of traditional masculinity.The bright pink color in sharp contrast to the dark skin of each male figure in every piece accentuate the figures and imagines the notion of men in pink from a fresh perspective.

“Unchained:The Cotton Candy Cowboys” Source:Ada contemporary art gallery 2022

The Black male figures affirm the stoic strength of the western cowboy archetype while unveiling the sweet,delicate and dynamic nature of masculinity.

Sheriff Williams a piece in honor of Michael K Williams
Source : Instagram

Even though the artist’s figures appear rigid and emotionless,they still seem to portray a vulnerable,carefree and light-hearted nature.This goes to say that the male gender is also allowed to show their soft side regardless of how society has portrayed them.

Slum Flower Titus 2022
Source: Instagram

MIND OF EL

Mind of El whose real name is Emmanuel Gyamfi Boateng is a digital illustrator who’s mostly known for his captivating digital pieces and the illustration of children’s books.

El’s love for art gives off the “love at first sight” vibe because he has been into it right from the word go.

Art has and continues to serve as a safe haven for the artist.It’s a source of escape from things going on around and within him,a means through which he channels his inner feelings and communicates with the world.

The digital pieces of the artist saw the light of day in 2014 because that was when he could boast of of drawing flawlessly with a computer, but as the saying goes “one never stops learning” so he challenged himself to improve his skills.

One major thing he can’t overlook is the impact and inspiration he derived from other digital artists.Works from other digital artists made him believe that there’s indeed “more room for improvement” back at the early stages of mastering his skill.

If anything,El can boldly say he’s really at the top of the game now because he’s the attention of renowned artists with works he made of them and those pieces without a doubt scream “impeccable” because they’re flawless.

In as much as he’s gained recognition and has steadily become a household name in the arts space,he still looks forward to opening up and creating avenues for other young artists who have one way or the other been discouraged or feel have missed out on the opportunity to become renowned digital artists.

After all is said and done ,he can proudly say that he played his role and made impact.

THE MANYPHACEDGOD 🎨

Samuel Kobina Blankson known in the arts space as the MANYPHACEDGOD is a professional artist who specializes in fine and digital arts.

Born and based in Ghana,he creates mind blowing pieces which are heavily influenced by his thoughts,music,lifestyle,experiences in life and daily activities.Due to his versatility he creates pieces that easily start conversations and gets one thinking,this is a practice he calls “expressionism”.

Samuel has worked for some household names like BlackCoffee,Fameye,David Biga,Kwabena Kwabena,La Meme Gang,B for black boy book.

He was part of a group exhibition with Artswap and Lokko house in April this year(2022) where he exhibited three of his works.

Samuel looks forward to an exciting future as an expressionist in the arts space and never misses an opportunity to show the world what he has to offer.