Helen Oghenegweke
I am a visual artist who works within fine art, education and illustration. As an author and illustrator of seven children’s books, my freelance practice is built around a strong focus on people, our need for connection and understanding of what makes us human. My creative and intellectual pursuits are based in creating work that responds to the human quest for answers to the unanswerable questions we often ask ourselves, such as ‘who are we?’ and ‘why are we here?’
From this spiritual and introspective perspective, I aim to transform these concepts into abstract and representational works. In effect my work aims to compile my personal perceptions and interpretation of spiritual matters and find an embodiment in the work themselves. I am inspired by the notion of spirit as the space that surrounds our work and allows us to build an emotional connection to the world around us – be that in religion, science, magic, education, values, culture, art or philosophy.
My MA has given me opportunities to explore wider concepts and push my boundaries to develop competencies in abstract art and sculpture making.My processes involve mediums such as acrylics, pen, ink and oil pastels to enthuse my paintings, and paper mache, Modroc and wire as crucial elements in my sculptures. I have exhibited in the Museum of Human Kindness with my work ‘Peachy’ and I am now using my experience in preparation for a self-employed art career in the future.