ARTIST BIO
Omoruyi Eghosa, famously known as Tobydphotographer is a Nigerian based photographer. Born on June 19, 1997, in Lagos, Nigeria, he earned a higher national diploma in mechanical engineering from the Petroleum Training Institute in Delta State, Nigeria. After completion of his undergraduate education, he served in the National Youth Service Corps; a program started by the Nigerian government to involve their youth in nation building and the development of their country for a year.
Toby’s artistic practice involves modernising the Renaissance as a self-taught photographer that blurs the line between a photograph and a painting.
Eghosa’s artistic practice involves modernising the Renaissance as a self-taught photographer that blurs the line between a photograph and a painting. When asked why this modernization was vital, he said, “I want to maintain and appreciate Renaissance ideals while representing the Black body as the focal point of the viewer. For me, it is taking inspiration from idealised old renaissance masters, adding a twist to it, and manipulating my art using modern technology. The Black body in my work can be seen as one that represents emotion, beauty, and royalty.”
Eghosa had his first solo exhibit: “Painterly” on June 19 2022, marking his birthday and double exhibitions in Nigeria and the University of Indianapolis Intercultural Center. He has also exhibited his art in Kenya, Italy, New York (USA), United Kingdom, Abuja (Nigeria).
ARTIST STATEMENT:
Eghosa Omoruyi, known as tobydphotographer, navigates the intersection of photography and painting with the intention of rejuvenating the spirit of the Renaissance in contemporary art. Through his lens, he seeks to dissolve the boundaries between these mediums, crafting images that transcend traditional categorizations.
Inspired by the masters of the past yet driven by the dynamism of the present, Eghosa’s work invites viewers to explore new dimensions of visual storytelling and interpretation. With each photograph, he endeavours to ignite a dialogue between past and present, offering a fresh perspective on the timeless pursuit of artistic expression.
Eghosa’s work showcasing emotions, he has always been a lover of the renaissance/ old-master paintings, as a photographer over the years he researched and studied how the old-masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Albrecht Dürer to Caravaggio ,etc. created their art pieces. Since they were mostly traditional artists, with his skill and Knowledge he has been able to use photography to create photos that showcase the renaissance.
INTERVIEWS
