Blessing Oniyide

My name is Blessing David Oniyide, i was Born in 2002 in Nigeria. I’m a talented visual artist whose journey into the world of art began at a young age. After completing my education at Camila High School in 2018, i made a significant move to Lagos State in 2019, driven by my passion for pursuing a career in art. My artistic focus is deeply rooted in addressing societal and mental health issues that affect underprivileged children, a theme that resonates throughout my body of work. My journey as a visual artist is not just about my talent, it’s also a reflection of my rich heritage as a Yoruba born and raised in a christian environment.

Malchiodi, C.A. (2012). Art Therapy discuss how art helps individuals (especially children) develop emotional regulation by providing a safe space to explore and communicate their feeling, from my childhood i showed interest in drawing, often expressing my creativity through cartoons. This early fascination laid the foundation for my artistic journey. During my high school years, i had the privilege of learning drawing techniques from my brother, who is also an artist. This mentorship played a crucial role in shaping my skills and understanding of the art form. It was under my brother’s guidance that i learned my ability to translate my thoughts and emotions onto the canvas.The lessons learned from my brother went beyond just technical skills, they also installed a sense of artistic identity and purpose in me. I began to see art as a powerful medium for storytelling and social commentary, particularly in addressing the challenges faced by the underprivileged children. This early foundation in creativity, combined with the mentorship i received has shaped me into the artist i am today, committed to using my talent to make a difference in the world.

I started experimenting with various medium and techniques as I learned more about the art world. I first concentrated on pencil drawings, captivated by the precision and detail that could be achieved with this medium. But I quickly discovered hyperrealistic artist like Stanley Arinze and Oscar Ukonu creations inspired me, their ability to produce realistic work inspired me to push the limit of my own artistic vision. Through this journey of experimenting and inspiration, i learned the importance of versatility in art. I realized that by embracing different mediums and techniques, I could better express my thoughts and emotions, ultimately leading to a richer and more impactful artistic experience. This exploration not only enhanced my skills but also deepened my appreciation for the diverse possibilities within the art world, motivating me to continue pushing the limit of my creativity.

In an effort to refine my technique and reduce my reliance on erasers, i made a significant transition from pencil to pen and ink. This shift not only challenged my creatively but also allowed me to embrace the imperfections that come with the medium. By working with pen, i discover a new level of freedom in my art, as each stroke become a permanent part of the piece, encouraging me to think more critically about my approach to drawing. This transition to pen and ink forced me to develop a more deliberate style of drawing, I began to to appreciate the beauty of spontaneity, where accidental lines or unexpected marks could add character and depth to my work. This newfound acceptance of imperfections not only enhanced my artistic expression but also allow me to convey emotions and stories more authentically.

my art is not just a reflection of my technical skills, it also a powerful commentary on the issues that plague society, particularly concerning children from underprivileged backgrounds. I believes that art has the potential to raise awareness and inspire change, and i uses my platform to shed light on the struggles faced by these children. As noted by Sontag (2003), art has the power to evoke empathy, a principle i strive to embody in my work that addresses the struggles of underprivileged children.Through my work, i aim to evoke empathy and understanding, encouraging viewers to engage with societal challenges that often go unnoticed, commitment to social commentary is evident in the themes he explores, such as poverty, education, and access to resources. I often draws inspiration from real life stories and experience, allowing me to create relatable and impactful narrative through my art. By doing so, i’m not only raising awareness but also challenges societal perceptions, urging people to recognize their role in addressing these issues.

Blessing not only shares his artistic vision but also contributes to a larger conversation about the importance of Mental health and social justice in the lives of underprivileged children.