Oscar Ukonu

Oscar Ukonu (born 1993[1]) is a Nigerian ballpoint pen artist.[2]

Ukonu began drawing, as a hobby, when he was nine. He studied architecture at Federal Polytechnic in Nekede.[3][4]

He is self-taught and started creating ballpoint pen art in 2014, finding he preferred the pen over graphite pencils. His work is described as hyperrealism and Afrorealism.[5][2] According to himself, he "constantly explores Black identity and pride in an increasingly globalized world, as well as ideas surrounding Afrorealism."[1]

An artwork can take him up six weeks, during which he will use about ten pens due to wear and tear on the nib. For such a work, he will use about 20 photos he's taken of the subject for reference. As of 2021, he has sold ballpoint pen artwork for up to $600 apiece.[6]

In 2020, his submission Blue Boy was placed 6th in Société Bic's BIC Art Master competition.[4]

References
  1. Ukonu, Oscar. "Biography". OSCAR UKONU. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  2. Egbedi, Hadassah (11 May 2017). "Talented Nigerian artist, Oscar Ukonu, creates brilliant, photorealistic drawings using a ballpoint pen". Ventures Africa. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  3. Amadi, Osa (24 February 2020). "BIC as brush, medium and palette: An innovation of Art Masters". Vanguard. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  4. "Hatching, crosshatching, scribbling: how Oscar Ukonu works his ballpoint magic | Cyprus Mail". Cyprus Mail. 25 April 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  5. Cai, Maggie; Brzezinski, Dylan (31 December 2020). "Artist draws hyperrealistic portraits using Bic ballpoint pens". Insider.com.
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