Omeh's work is deeply rooted in a tradition of storytelling, blending rich visual narratives with personal and cultural mythologies. Through his multifaceted canvases, he weaves a tapestry of memories, parables, and allegories, reflecting both his childhood in Nigeria and his present experiences in Atlanta.
Omeh is a visual raconteur whose art bridges the gap between past and present, creating an emotional resonance that transcends time and geography. His paintings are more than just images; they are windows into his life and his psyche, layered with meaning and symbolism. Central to his work are themes of memory, transformation, and the influence of family, particularly through the lens of childhood. Growing up as the youngest in a large family in Nigeria, Omeh struggled to be noticed, a feeling that later evolved into an understanding of how essential human connection and attention are. This personal journey of overcoming challenges is mirrored in his art, where he uses painting as his primary mode of communication, having struggled with traditional forms of expression like reading and writing.
His work often features bold colours and the recurring presence of children, tapping into universal themes of growth, learning, and self-discovery. School and education, with their associated symbols—like black-and-white tiled floors and mathematical equations—frequently appear in his pieces, serving as a reflection of his own experiences and, more broadly, the process of overcoming perceived shortcomings.
The motif of an open door or window is also central in his work, symbolising the influx of new knowledge, personal revision, and change. This motif is not just a literal element but a metaphor for familial wisdom, passed down through generations, and the transformative power of inherited teachings, fables, and parables.
Artistic Technique and Philosophy:
Omeh’s canvases are visually intricate, built up with layers of paint, ink, gesso, and oil, creating dynamic textures that evoke the passage of time. These layers represent the accumulation of memories, both cherished and lost, and the complexity of individual and collective histories. The use of stencils and silhouettes in his work imbues the pieces with a sense of timelessness, at times appearing antiquated with their tea-stained hues, and at other moments feeling strikingly contemporary, especially in his recent works featuring bold neons. This layering process alludes to the artist’s commitment to truth over beauty—an exploration of what is dark, valuable, and often forgotten across generations. His art, in its complexity, invites a subjective interpretation, offering viewers the space to form their own connections with the narrative threads woven throughout.
Omeh’s work has been showcased in numerous solo and group exhibitions across Georgia, Miami, and New York, but “TALES OF TALES” marks his first presentation in Europe, an exciting milestone in the artist’s evolving journey. Through this exhibition, Omeh continues to share his layered storytelling and cultural reflections with a broader international audience, inviting all who encounter his work to engage with the deeper truths that lie beneath the surface.
