Not many African artists can boast of pioneering new styles of creating art. While everything that can be invented has already been invented, forging a new method from an old one is an invention in its own right. And that is what Alex Peter Idoko, the “fire-bender” of the African contemporary art community has successfully done by creating “Pyro-Fusion.”
Alex Peter Idoko was born in Abuja in 1992, a year after it became the capital of Nigeria. The now 32-year-old artist discovered his flare for art during his teenage years in secondary school. As a self-taught artist, he experimented with various media, including pencil, pastel, and even pen.
He finally came into his own when he mastered pyrography, the technique of forging art with flames. While the technique in its original form involves using solid-point heated metal implements to imprint on wood, Alex created a whole different technique.
Using blow torches of varying sizes and pressure intensity, a razor and sandpaper, he skillfully created the light and shade effect of graphite/charcoal pencils on wood. Although he went on to earn a degree in accounting, that did not stop him from further developing this new-found artistic expression.
As he continued experimenting and growing as an artist, Alex Peter Idoko eventually transitioned from wood to canvas. This transition was not only daring but also expensive. After burning his way through costly canvas after canvas, he eventually harnessed the technique of using fire to “draw” on canvas.
Now at the height of his evolution, his tools include blowtorches, a trowel, a razor and canvases; canvases because he does not stop at just the canvas he sears. To maintain the integrity of the canvas and ensure the durability of his artwork, he carves out the figures from his first canvas where the burning happens. Then he proceeds to stick them onto a second canvas where he introduces more artistic elements in the background of his artwork using acrylic paint. This interplay of different artistic expressions gave life to the term, “Pyro-Fusion.”
Not one to gate-keep, Alex demystifies the process behind some of his outstanding pieces across his social media channels. Through his videos, one catches glimpses of his creative process which screams preparation, precision and pure creativity.
Enough talk about techniques. What type of art does Alex Peter Idoko create?
Even more fascinating is the fact that he manages to create incredibly hyper-realistic figures with a technique that does not allow for easy erasure. His style is a perfect blend of hyper-realism, surrealism and self-exploration. The subjects in his pieces are more often than not ordinary people mirroring his most vulnerable experiences which speak to the human and African experience as a whole.
The artist conveys deep and relevant messages through seemingly bizarre imagery, hoping to inspire future generations. He does this while maintaining a most aesthetically pleasing style. One may not understand the depth of his message at a glance, but the stunning delivery would definitely compel them to stare long enough to wonder about it.
Alex’s unique and innovative style has garnered him local and international acclaim. It has also presented him with the opportunity to have his art displayed in many prestigious art galleries and fairs around the globe. Some notable galleries and platforms where he participated in exhibitions include; Omenka Gallery (2016), MONIKER ART FAIR NYC (2018), Context Art Miami Fair (2021), Coningsby Gallery (2023), and Black Liquid ART (2023).
He currently has two ongoing exhibitions. One of his most recent creations, “Eternal Duty: Silent Witness I,” is on display at the “Place of Repose II” group exhibition in Houston, Texas. Presented by Mitochondria Gallery, the 2024 exhibition began on November 15 and will end on December 14. This exhibition marks his second collaboration with the gallery after the first one titled “Gathering At Dawn.”
Also, his piece, “Deeps Call to the Deep” is part of a group exhibition with artworks by world-renowned artists. The exhibition is “Shared Vision: Portraits from the CCH Pounder-Koné Collection.” It opened on September 14, 2024, at the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) and will close on March 2, 2025.
The exhibition is the product of the museum’s close collaboration with the veteran Hollywood actress, CCH Pounder who is also deeply invested in art. The common theme in this exhibition is black presence and identity drawing from the imagery of black figures in the works on display. As expected, the concept aligns with Alex’s figuration of black Africans.
Apart from his endless stream of exhibitions, he also has awards under his belt. In 2016, Alex Peter Idoko was presented with the “Excellence Award” at the Benue Youth Choice Awards (his home state). On a global level, his piece, “Freedom’s Rhythm” emerged as the winner of the ArtStation People’s Choice Award in the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize of 2022.
Fire, razorblade, sandpaper, charcoal, wood, 47″ x 36″ (Image Courtesy: Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize Website).
Almost two decades into his artistic journey, Alex has forged his niche which continues to evolve as the years go by. We look forward to more of his exploits and celebrate his outstanding display of creativity.
