The Journey of a Visionary

Born in Abuja, Nigeria, Cletus Oche is a multidisciplinary artist whose journey in art has been one filled with experimentation, doubts and learning. Even with having a formal educational background in science, the practice of art is deeply rooted in Cletus Oche's life and its principles are intricately intertwined in his practice. With concentration in the areas on hyperrealism and surrealism, Cletus' works are constantly in flux – ever evolving, ever expanding through experimentation of ideas and media. The immersive aesthetic of the artist feels both familiar and foreign, blending idealistic themes of reality and perception. Being a musician who plays multiple instruments, he believes the spirit of music helps shapes his art form. After his debut solo show in 2023, Cletus has gone on to win some of the challenging competitions in the country: the 19th edition of the Spanish-Nigerian Art competition and the Next Of Kin Series 7. Through his work, Cletus hopes to create an immersive experience, and encourage viewers to challenge their beliefs and gain a new perspective. As he usually says, “Only in the silence of the mind can anybody truly learn and see something new in the old.”