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This Nigerian Artist Learned How To Paint With Fire And With Pyrography, He Creates Hyperrealistic Portraits (38 Pics)
Interview With ArtistMaking hyperrealistic art with traditional mediums is already difficult enough, therefore, using pyrography (painting with fire on wood) is even less forgiving.
However, Alex Peter Idoko, a Nigerian artist from Lagos, was not afraid to learn and master this technique. Alex discovered and began to develop his artistic streak in his childhood by painting portraits with graphite, charcoal, and pastels. Today, his art primarily represents black people and addresses issues such as African realities, freedom, advocacy for change, and solutions to challenges.
Bored Panda got in touch with Alex to learn more about his art. Feel free to find all the information below.
More info: Instagram | alexpeterart.com
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Being passionate about portrait art since childhood, Alex has truly taken drawing to the next level. We were wondering what pushed him towards continuing his journey with art. He shared: “well, I was inspired by the experiences of my environment and the happenings around the world, and I interpreted it through the visions of my imaginations.”
To our surprise, pyrography was not the only thing Alex learned by himself. In fact, all his artistic skills were self-taught. He shared that he did not study art, “not in a formal way, but by personal development and training. So I’ll say I was self-trained. I studied accounting.”
Using such a delicate technique, Alex takes his time with his works. He shared how long it typically takes him to finish one piece. “It depends on the work I’m doing. Sometimes it could take up to 5, 6 weeks or more.”
Keep doing what you're doing! Your work is absolutely wonderful and heart moving!
As mentioned, imagination surrounding the environment Alex is in is the key to inspiration for his artwork. Alex shared how he decides on what he is going to paint: “well, there is always a strong burden to create a certain art piece or concept gotten from the wells of my imagination, mostly inspired to create pieces based on what is happening around my environment, the African community.”
These are all amazing. I am blow away how the artist was able to capture the texture of the skin and make it looks so amazingly real.
For all of you wondering whether you can purchase his artwork, yes, you definitely can. His original works on wood or prints can be found on his website.
In terms of exhibitions, Alex shared his experiences: “I’ve had an exhibition in Context Art, Miami, Florida, had an exhibition in Moniker Art Fair, New York and many others.”
What a powerful piece! I still can't believe these are portraits painted with fire.
I love how much you see this artist improve and hone their technique in each one of these artworks. Some of so hyper realistic that they look like photographs
These are all just stunning! It truly looks like a real person that is about to walk off the page.
I wonder if he has a name for this piece? I'd love to know the thought behind this!
These are so fantastic! How does he create these with a torch and a Razor blade ? Such amazing realistic details !!! I REALLY WANT to see a video of him creating these masterpieces
Absolutely stunning work. I cannot do this with graphite on paper, and the fact that he's burning this into wood is a testament to this man's talent and practice of his craft.
please don't say things like this... if you want to compliment an artist's work, compliment it. saying things like "oh I can't even draw a stick figure" or the like just makes the conversation about you instead of the art. sorry, personal pet peeve
Load More Replies...Absolutely stunning work. I cannot do this with graphite on paper, and the fact that he's burning this into wood is a testament to this man's talent and practice of his craft.
please don't say things like this... if you want to compliment an artist's work, compliment it. saying things like "oh I can't even draw a stick figure" or the like just makes the conversation about you instead of the art. sorry, personal pet peeve
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