Michael Oghenekaro Oyinbokure: The artist, his style and passion

The story of Michael Oghenekaro Oyinbokure is one that is worth listening to because of one lesson or two to learn on following one’s passion, skills development and commitment to career.

Jettisoning his formal training in Computer Science and Project Management, Michael followed his passion for arts and has today grown into a multidisciplinary artist and photographer, who engages his audiences with a profound exploration of African identity.

Nine years into his art career, the multidisciplinary artist and photographer, who works between Lagos and London, has been able to craft a unique artistic style for himself, evident in works that bear his signature.

Michael is able to combine digital and traditional mediums to confront themes of resilience, migration, and belonging, offering a fresh perspective that avoids the predictable tropes often associated with African identity.

“By capturing raw emotion and telling untold stories, I aim to create pieces that evoke deep feelings and remain meaningful over time. This approach reflects my commitment to authenticity and connection, ensuring that each image carries meaning and remains timeless,” he said in a recent interview.

Explaining his style, he described it as a fusion of minimalism and cinematic storytelling, where light and shadow play a crucial role in shaping each frame.

“I focus on capturing raw emotion, ensuring that every image tells a story that lingers in the mind. My work is deeply intentional, every composition is a reflection of authenticity, connection, and a pursuit of timeless visual narratives.

Through this approach, I aim to create art that resonates beyond the surface, drawing viewers into a world of emotion and meaning,” he explained.

Of course, with this technique, his works are getting the needed attention and drawing viewers globally.

But he attributed the successful technique to his experimental spirit and quest to try new things, which is the reason he is growing beyond his imagination, and breaking records he set for himself, if any.

“My technique was born out of a desire to strip photography down to its purest form where light, shadow, and emotion take center stage. I was inspired by the power of simplicity and how a single frame can tell an entire story without excess,” he explained.

Moreover, his study of Classic Cinematography and Minimalist Art also helped in shaping his approach, while pushing him to create imagery that feels both intimate and timeless.

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“More than just aesthetics, my technique is about connection, capturing the essence of a moment in a way that speaks to the soul,” he enthused.

On a practical note, he used ‘Oasis’, one of his series, to explain his techniques.

While all his series are a reflection of his evolution as an artist, the body of work he entitled ‘Oasis’, pushed the boundaries of his storytelling, blending technique, emotion, and cultural influence in a way that feels both personal and universal.

Excited at that body of work, he enthused, “It represents my ability to translate complex themes into visual narratives, capturing raw authenticity while experimenting with composition, lighting, and perspective.

“Through this series, I challenge perceptions and invite the viewer into a deeper dialogue with the art”.

As much as he cherished ‘Oasis’ for showcasing his creative ingenuity the most, his work that has garnered the highest acclaim from the audiences is “Journey Mercies”, a series that resonates deeply with the audiences because of its emotional depth, storytelling, and cultural significance.

“It captures raw human experiences in a way that transcends borders, allowing people from different backgrounds to connect with its narrative. The recognition it has received is a testament to the power of authentic storytelling and the impact of art when it speaks to the soul,” he said.

In other works such as ‘Through the echoes of our root’, ‘Our identity stands unshaken glory in our roots, triumph in our veins’, Michael used the images as powerful representations of the identity our roots, our history, and the unyielding spirit that courses through us.

In ‘Through the echoes of our root’, the contrast of color against the dark skin speaks to the resilience of our heritage, a reminder that no matter how history has tried to erase, redefine, or paint over us, our essence remains.

Through his works, he reminds us that we are the children of triumph, of warriors and storytellers, of those who walked before us in the days of the old and beyond.

Away from his works, he thinks that technology has expanded the boundaries of artistic expression today, with digital and interactive art forms, such as digital painting and 3D printing, emerging and allowing artists to engage with the audiences in dynamic ways.

While ‘Journey Mercies’ was his 2024 project, the artist, who has worked on various extensive photography projects, assured that in the coming months of 2025, he would be releasing some of the projects for people to see art from a different perspective and for art to speak its truth in its purest form.

He will not fail to recognize how Albert Watson’s work has profoundly influenced his artistry. His love for Watson is the legendary artist’s ability to blend minimalism with cinematic flair, focusing on the interplay of light and shadow, and this has been a significant inspiration for him.

“Additionally, his portraits of iconic figures like Alfred Hitchcock and Steve Jobs have showcased his mastery in capturing raw emotion and storytelling,” he said.

With such a great influence, it is not surprising that international audiences are responding to his style and his works are being showcased at major global exhibitions.

Michael was at The Holy Art Exhibition in Amsterdam (2024), the Holy Art Exhibition in Paris (2024), the Circular Art Space in London (2024) and Our Heritage at London’s Sociable Mooring Club (2023).

His artistic prowess has also garnered critical acclaim as a finalist for the Circa Art Prize and the London Dubel Prize, recognitions that affirm his distinct ability to portray African identity with both sensitivity and complexity.

Unlike many of his folks, while appreciating the recognition his work has received, he believes that the true value of art lies in its ability to connect with people and evoke emotion. “My primary focus remains on creating meaningful stories through my photography, and any accolades are secondary to the impact my work has on its audience”.

Well, what matters most for him is to leave a timeless legacy through his artworks that endure across generations and resonate deeply with people.