Behind the face Print

Background Afolabi Samuel is a young Nigerian hyperrealism pencil artist, born in 2007 oyo state. His passion for art began at the age of 5 years old, when he started creating comics drawings that nurtured is early love for storytelling through images. In 2020 he attended a 3 days drawing workshop organized by artist Abu oluwaseyi at ladigbolu grammar School, oyo state. This pivotal movement introduce him to hyperrealism and sparked is commitment to developing his craft. Since then, he has continued to refine his skills as a self taught artist, driven by curiosity, discipline and passion for detail. Artist Statement Art, for him, is more than representation—it is an act of storytelling and reflection. Hyperrealism becomes a mirror of life, capable of capturing silent emotions and hidden truths that words cannot express. Through his drawings, he seeks to explore human identity and emotion, creating works that invite viewers into both personal and universal experiences. Technique He works primarily with charcoal and graphite pencil on paper, creating his drawings through a careful balance of contrast and fine detail. His process involves layering tones, blending with brushes to achieve smooth textures, and refining each mark with precision. This combination of tools and methods allows him to capture both the sharpness of reality and the softness of human emotion. Through patience and discipline, he transforms simple materials into lifelike images that carry depth and presence. Themes and inspiration His work centers on the themes of identity and emotions. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences, human connections, and the natural world, his art goes beyond surface likeness to convey inner life. By focusing on expressions, moods, and subtle gestures, he translates the invisible layers of human experience into visual form.