Meet the Nigerian artist with the beautiful signature style
Silas Onoja is unique in every way.
As a component that can build and quench a civilization, or drown and destroy it, water in many ways is a metaphor for life itself. To understand Silas Onoja, the gifted Nigerian artist, you first must come to an understanding of H20. For Silas, water represents something hopeful. His work often features peoples interactions with water, with the type of simplistic beauty that's become his trademark. We were interested in his unique style and his signature element and he had some great responses for us in return.
1. What was your upbringing like in Abuja? How did it shape you as an artist and a person?
I'm Silas Onoja, a Nigerian Artist. I was born and brought up in Benue. Growing up was fun because I had little or nothing to worry about staying with my parents. I had passion for art as a child, I started practicing at a very tender age in Makurdi, Nigeria. As I grew older, my love for art grew too, in 2016 I moved to Abuja and that was where my art transformed. In Abuja, I met so many great artists that gave me counsels and inspired me to actually work hard to improve my art.
2. We see a lot of your works involve water. Is there something specifically that draws you towards including this?
Yeah, I love the effect of water and the aesthetic it adds to my work. I use water as a common element, which is reflected on some of my works. My interpretation of the water in my work is that I use it to represent peaceful state of mind. That's because water is calm, friendly and peaceful. Just as the saying goes 'water has no enemy'. Also, I try portraying the need for water which can not be overemphasized. You can find in one of my pieces in 2017 which I title "Necessity if the Natives", the piece portrayed two children fetching water from the stream. The principal message my paintings carries are messages of hope, joy and peace. So basically, the water effect common in my paintings represents peace which is to say that no matter what life throws at you, you should always be at peace with yourself.
3. What inspires you?
My environment inspired me greatly, because, I want to use my paintings to communicate to the world, and to show the beauty of being at peace with yourself and the world at large. I also got inspiration from seeing great artworks done by great artists, I also want to do great works, I wish to relate how I'm feeling on canvas.
4. What is the biggest challenge you've had to overcome?
My greatest challenge was when I first started, not having enough art materials to start practice with, I had to struggle with limited art materials because I had little funds then to start with, it was really a big challenge for me because I was in a bit discouraged to continue my art career or not. But nevertheless I kept on pushing with God by my side, I was able to over come.
5. What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
My hope for the future is to keep working hard, so one day I'll be among the great artists in the world, that my name and my works will forever be remembered, own a gallery of my own train and educate people on art and its value and have my works in display in prominent Museums and Art galleries around the world.