On July 8, 2023, I was lucky to not have succumbed to the antics of rain as I made my way to the Thought Pyramid in Ikoyi, for a captivating art exhibition showcasing the extraordinary talent and artistic vision of the multi-talented artist, Oriana Jemide.
The exhibition which is a culmination of her immersive residency at the Universal Studio of Arts, featured a diverse range of artworks, blending various mediums such as paintings.
With her unique ability to intertwine visual arts and scenic depictions, Oriana offered viewers a sensory journey through enchanting landscapes and reliefs.
For Oriana, art and writing are deeply personal expressions, a medium through which she voices her concerns and explores her creative range. Starting as a form of self-expression, her artistic journey began with scribbles and paintings that revealed the breadth of her imaginative spirit.
In 2016, she unveiled her debut exhibition, a watershed moment that marked the emergence of her artistic genius. Over the past seven years, Oriana’s artistic dexterity has blossomed, solidifying her position as a rising star in the art world. Not content with solely painting, she amplifies her voice and support for causes such as anti-human trafficking and trauma management through her art and writings.
Returning to her homeland for this momentous event, Oriana showcased her recent artworks, crafted during a four-week residency at the Universal Studio of Arts. Each painting was a testament to her unique perspective on life’s journey and exploration of relationships.
Titles such as “Endless Quest for Solitude,” “Sisters,” “Sweet Escape,” and “The Layers of Life” evoked curiosity and invited viewers into the artist’s inner world. The canvases, adorned with acrylic masterpieces, revealed a signature touch of blue, a visual thread that connected her artistic narratives.
As guests toured the exhibition, Oriana’s warm smile guided them through the enchanting tapestry of her creative mind. As her exhibition unfolded, guests were enchanted by the masterpieces that whispered stories of solitude, connection, and the ever-unfolding layers of life.
Oriana epitomises the essence of a multi-talented creative, seamlessly merging her love for visual arts and creative writing. Her artistic process often incorporates textiles, imbuing her pieces with an extra layer of depth and meaning. Through her fusion art, she expertly captures the intricacies of life’s journey and the relationships that define us. Like the Latin meaning of her name, “Oriana,” which symbolises the sunrise, her artworks emanate warmth, radiance, and the promise of a new beginning.
Beyond her artistic endeavours, Oriana also embarked on a 12-week Creative Mentorship Program at The Roundhouse for Young Creatives, demonstrating her commitment to growth and exploration.
Art events thrive on the support and assistance of those behind the scenes. In this exhibition, one person, Arabele, stood out as being particularly helpful and instrumental in ensuring its success. With her dedication and expertise, Arabele played a vital role in orchestrating the seamless execution of the event, allowing Oriana’s art to shine brightly and captivate the audience.
The art exhibition held at Thought Pyramid in Ikoyi, Lagos, became a mesmerising journey into the world of Oriana. Through her multi-medium artworks, she painted landscapes, sculpted emotions, and crafted narratives that touched the depths of the human spirit.
Oriana’s ability to merge visual arts and creative writing exemplifies her creative range, capturing the essence of life’s complexities and the profound beauty that lies within. Oriana, a name synonymous with artistic brilliance, continues to illuminate perspectives and leave an indelible mark on the art world.