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My name is Temitope Ogunwale, professionally known as Temi OG, and I’m a Nigerian artist. I have a BSc in Accounting, but my heart has always been in art. I’ve been creating since I was in primary school, back then, it was just for fun. But in 2021, I decided to take art more seriously and pursue it professionally. What really drew me in was seeing Kelvin Okafor’s hyperrealistic drawings. I was fascinated by how he captured both the flaws and the beauty in the human face. That inspired me to start with portraiture and commissioned works, where I could reflect those same raw details.

As I kept creating, I started connecting more with the emotional side of art. While working on commissions, I realized how much feeling goes into every piece, both from me and from the people I was creating for. That pushed me to start making art based on emotions, mental health, psychology, memories, and the things we often keep inside. I began using figurative nude art to let the body speak and tell these stories in a deeper, more honest way. Blue also became a big part of my work. For me, blue represents strength, calmness, and introspection, and it also happens to be my mom’s favorite color.

I’ve also had a strong interest in sculpture since I was young. I remember doing really well with it back in primary school, and I truly enjoyed it. It’s something I’d love to explore again professionally in the future. I’m grateful I found art, it has helped me grow, express, and connect, and I look forward to discovering even more through it.

Artist statement: I create figurative and emotive works that explore mental health, memory, and resilience, using the body as a vessel for untold stories. Blue often appears in my paintings as a symbol of strength and introspection. My art invites viewers to connect with vulnerability and shared human experiences.