About

Sam Onche’s work is centered around storytelling. Currently residing in the Chicago area, his artistic journey began in Nigeria, where he nurtured a family-oriented and artistic upbringing. His fond memories of drawing with siblings and friends fostered a competitive spirit that carried over into sports. Basketball introduced him to the United States, ultimately leading him to Colby College. At Colby, he pursued oil painting and continues to utilize this medium, along with digital illustration, to share stories through Black art.

Onche’s vibrant oil paintings, predominantly portraits, employ meticulous, colorful abstraction. Ankara fabric serves as a backdrop for his portraits, a testament to his heritage, and is sourced from his sister’s fashion design company. Onche employs color generously and symbolically, imbuing each picture with the essence of his rich cultural experiences. His artistic process involves a consistent playlist of Afro beats and hip-hop music, complemented by numerous other inspirations drawn from the surrounding world that contribute to his propensity for storytelling. Art serves as Onche’s means of contributing to the community that inspires him.

Onche’s exploration of Afrofuturism, a style influenced by science fiction movies and comic books, adds depth to his work. Other themes encompass moments of daily life, cultural evolution, and references to fashion and music.

For Literary/publishing enquiries, reach out to Ellen Goff @HGLiterary Agency