OYOROKO OCHUKO KENNETH, An African artist who demonstrates his artistic genius in oils, water colour, acrylic and pencil drawings also with stone, resin, mild steel and wood in Sculpture. Through his extraordinary ability and remarkable diversity, he gives a moving insight into the African culture. OYOROKO’S art drains strength and depth from the deep-rooted African traditions and cultures especially those of his Niger-Delta area, but he is not limited by this traditionalism. Not only does OYOROKO excel in the realistic aspect of life forms it spans the abyss into the world of contemporary art and abstract expressionism, putting his all into every piece of art that he Creates. OYOROKO love for his work is immediately visible to the viewer, hence one cannot help but be moved by his inspirational interpretations of life.
He has this to say “Art in its entirety is unlimited by way of expression; my artworks are statements provoked by actual events, personal experiences and reflections of my immediate environment e.g The Environmental degradation of My Niger Delta area due to oil exploration by Multinational oil giants and the age long economic and material neglect of the region by inept successive Government inspires some of my art themes that seek to advocate social justice and equality for my people., but I am by no means limited by this traditionalism. I try as much as possible to distinguish between order (clarity of forms) and expression (purity of sensation).That’s why a work I create could be pure and serene or troubling and depressing but yet so inspirationally beautiful”.
Born, raised and educated in the oil rich Niger-Delta region of Nigeria, West Africa., OYOROKO OCHUKO grew up to find himself in a creative oriented household. Being an “Urhobo”, his direct encounter with clay through his maternal aunt (a traditional potter), resulted in his early discovery of the exciting world of art. Before OCHUKO was seven, he could create native terracotta pots and miniature figurines to the admiration of many.
He had his early education at Ughelli his native town in Delta State, Nigeria from where he became known as an outstanding artist amongst his contemporaries even before he was seventeen years old. OCHUKO gained admission into the famous University of Port-Harcourt Creative Art School in the early 90’s, where he graduated with an upper honours degree in Visual Arts.
His superlative talent and enthusiasm in his work earned him the Deans subject prize award for “Best graduating student” in Creative Art class of 1993-97 amongst other awards through the years.
OYOROKO OCHUKO is a full time practicing studio artist with Studio/Galleries in Port-Harcourt, River State and Warri, Delta State both in Nigeria.
He has held exhibitions both within and outside, and a member of Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Creative African Network (CAN)and Art Professionals Worldwide (APW)
