Benson Oseghe: Redefining Contemporary African Art Through Color, Collage, and Identity

Benson Oseghe is a contemporary Nigerian artist whose vibrant use of color, bold collages, and layered textures challenge how we see and experience African art today. His works are not only visually striking but deeply symbolic, blending modern techniques with cultural narratives that reflect identity, memory, and transformation. Through every piece, Oseghe invites audiences to feel, reflect, and engage with the stories that shape both personal and collective experience. His art stands as both a celebration of African creativity and a redefinition of what contemporary art can mean on the global stage.

Can you describe your creative process from initial concept to the final piece? Are there any rituals or routines you follow?

My creative process often begins organically rather than through a rigidly planned concept. Inspiration comes from simple, everyday experiences—listening to music, engaging in conversations, reading, or reflecting on other artworks. Once an idea resonates with me, I allow it to settle and take shape internally, though I do not let it linger too long so as not to lose momentum. I research extensively to clarify my direction and then transition into execution, relying on the synergy of intuitive thought and refined technical skill to transform the concept into a tangible visual narrative.

What materials, techniques, or mediums do you work with, and how do they help you express your vision?

I work across a wide range of mediums including acrylic, oil, charcoal, graphite, pastels, watercolor, paper collage, and papier-mâché. This versatility allows me to adapt materiality to the specific story I wish to tell. For instance, collage affords me a way to layer meaning and context, while charcoal and graphite provide a raw immediacy. Each medium contributes to my visual language, enabling me to communicate emotions and social commentary that often go beyond what words can adequately capture.

How has your artistic style evolved since you first started, and what pivotal moments or influences shaped these changes?

I began with simple sketches, comic book drawings, and greeting cards—small creative outlets that introduced me to visual storytelling. Over time, my work transitioned from monochromatic realism to the use of vibrant colors, layered textures, and collage. A pivotal influence was the realization that aspiration itself could be an artistic force, pushing me to move beyond technical representation toward works that embody cultural critique, introspection, and broader social narratives.

How do you balance tradition and innovation in your work, especially when drawing from the rich African artistic heritage?

Each series I create emerges from distinct motivations—sometimes purely introspective, sometimes social, and occasionally cultural. While not every work is directly tied to heritage, I often embed cultural values and moral reflections in my visual storytelling. My approach to tradition is not literal but interpretive: I reimagine elements of heritage through contemporary techniques, ensuring my work remains both rooted and innovative.

Which emerging or historical African artists do you find particularly compelling or inspiring right now?

I deeply admire the practice of Arinze Stanley, whose hyperrealism, discipline, and commitment to narrative have been inspiring. His work demonstrates how African artists can push boundaries of representation while maintaining powerful cultural resonance.

What challenges and triumphs have you encountered as an artist working within or representing the African continent?

A persistent challenge is regional bias, artists working within Africa often face systemic limitations in terms of global opportunities, access, and collaboration with foreign institutions. Yet, the triumph lies in the intimate victories: creating works that resonate deeply with audiences, evoking emotion, and adding cultural and personal value. These moments affirm that despite barriers, my art has the power to connect meaningfully across boundaries.

How do you engage with your audience and what message or emotion do you hope to evoke through your work?

I aim to address subtle but significant nuances in society, presenting narratives that invite viewers into a reflective dialogue. My works often hold multiple layers of interpretation, allowing the audience to see themselves and their environment anew. Ultimately, I hope my art provokes both introspection and empathy.

What role do community and collaboration play in your artistic journey, if any?

Community and collaboration are essential, though much of my engagement is still developing. As a resident artist at The Pond Studio in Lagos, I am part of a growing creative ecosystem where dialogue, exchange, and collective effort shape artistic growth. I see collaboration not only as a support system but also as a catalyst for broader narratives that individual practice alone cannot achieve.

What are your future aspirations for your art, both in terms of projects and wider reach?

I aspire to pioneer a vibrant community that fosters ethical creativity, mentorship, and sustainable artistic practices in Africa. On a personal level, I seek collaborations with blue-chip galleries and cultural institutions while also engaging government agencies in telling and selling African stories. Long term, I envision my work reaching broader global platforms while remaining anchored in local realities.

How can your art be purchased or commissioned?

My works are available through direct contact, my Instagram page @benoseghe, and via email at bensonoseghe@gmail.com. I am also open to commissions and collaborations through my professional networks and studio engagements.