Portrait of Alex Peter Idoko in his studio. 2022
Biography
Alex Peter Idoko (b. 1992, Abuja, Nigeria) is a self-taught Pyrography artist, based in Abuja, Nigeria. Though holding a degree in Accounting, His artistic journey has been ablaze with innovation. He discovered his gift of Arts and painting at a very young age in Lagos. Started first through drawing on the ground, then on paper with pencil and pastel. But the embers of a deeper calling lingers, leading him to embrace the calling of working with Fire to create his art.
With fire, razor, and sandpaper as his tools, Alex carved hyperreal and surreal figures onto wood. These early works were deeply introspective, serving as a canvas for his exploration of identity and the unspoken emotions that reside in the stillness of life's everyday moments. Each fire stroke carries a whisper of identity and unseen emotions lingering in quiet moments.
The fire of creativity burned bright, pushing Alex Peter beyond the familiar warmth of wood. He embarked on a transformative journey, transitioning to painting with fire and acrylic on canvas. A pioneering technique he calls pyro-fusionism. The familiar fire warmth of wood blends with the coolness of paint on canvas, birthing a new realm of expression.
Quiet moments where emotions linger whisper to Alex's soul. He captures these moments, from the edges of everyday scenes and daily lifestyles in his socio-cultural landscape and ignites them on canvas. These transformed figures become mirrors to him, reflecting not only their own narratives but also Alex's vulnerabilities and strengths. His art becomes a stage, a visual landscape where self-discovery intertwines with the beauty and complexity of human experiences
He has participated in various international art exhibitions including Black Liquid ART, Viterbo, Italy, 2023 , The Natural, Coningsby Gallery, London, 2023, Context art Miami fair, Florida, USA. 2021, MONIKER ART FAIR NYC, Brooklyn. 2018, Insanity group exhibition, Omenka gallery, Lagos, Nigeria 2016, Mimesis group exhibition, and others. Awards like the Beautiful Bizzare Artprize and the Artnation People's Choice Award 2022 serve as testaments to his dedication to using art as a means of social change and raising awareness.
For Alex, valuing the true essence of life in all its diversities remains the heartbeat of his artistic journey
Artist Statement
The word "pyrography" basically means writing with fire. Many people refer to pyrography as "woodburning," however I have practically created my style to approach pyrography with a different technique, wielding fire, razorblades, sandpaper and wood as my tools of revelation, I sculpt emotions, experiences born from the beauty and the complexity of human experience within my socio-cultural landscape
As I explore, my flames transitioned from wood, igniting a new chapter on canvas. The familiar warmth of wood blends with the comforting hues of acrylics, birthing a technique called Pyro-fusionism. My mastery of flame-control ensures that each subject I sculpt on canvas is etched with soft pressure of fire, layering warmth without weakening the canvas's integrity, thus preserving its strength and ensuring durability.
My style is a unique blend of hyperrealism, surrealism, and self-exploration, realized through the innovative Pyro-fusion technique—a contemporary mode of expression with a profound personal touch. The subjects I render stand as mirrors to my own experiences, reflecting the silent strength and vulnerabilities that underpin our existence..
I am inspired by the quiet moments where emotions linger from the edges of everyday scenes and daily lifestyles in my community. I capture these fleeting expressions, quiet emotions and ignites them on canvas. These transformed experiences that resonates with me, become mirrors to me, reflecting not only their own narratives but also my strength and vulnerabilities.
Each fire stroke on canvas carries a fragment of my own journey and feelings. I introduce Retro VHS lines (video home system) to the canvas to simulate the old TV screen and live footage, creating a portal and inviting the viewer to explore the quite space of my thought. where every stroke of fire echoes a silent emotion
This art is my vehicle, carrying forth my voice, weaving tales of resilience and vulnerability, and celebrating the extraordinary beauty nestled within the ordinary. It invites you to pause, to reflect, and to discover the quiet pleasure that resides within the vibrant tapestry of our shared human experience..
Artist: Alex Peter Idoko. 2021