Blog and Publications
2022: An Art Journey
Written by Favor Leo
Just like lighting up candles in a dark room, I find myself here in this very moment—bringing light back into darkness with charcoal and the sorcery of dark art. 2022 has been a surreal year for me, filled with experimentation, inspiration from artists like Adewale Mayowa, Photontide, and Tjo, and the support of friends and collectors who keep me motivated to evolve not only as a self-taught pencil artist but as a creative in general.
Art Evolution And Movements All Through The Year
My Afro Hair — “Tariq”
This piece is personal—a cry against afro hair discrimination in schools and workplaces, especially in regions where dreadlocks or kinky hair are natural expressions of identity.
Sci-Fi And Surreal Worlds — “The Arcane Genesis, 2034”
Using charcoal, I sought to create futuristic visual stories that merge science and dark magic, forming surreal worlds that provoke curiosity and emotion.
The Birth Of Freerealism — “Daydreaming” (NFT collected by Norcal_Guy)
Freerealism—a style of “free imagination”—inspires most of my pieces. This series takes a minimalistic approach while exploring surreal architectural forms.
A Story About My Pain And Personal Demons — “I Became The Demon” (NFT collected by Crypto_Mountain_Biker)
Here I began incorporating color, depicting demonic figures and cryptic symbols—visual representations of my struggles with depression and emotional conflict.
Dark-Background Realms — “The Late Bloomer” (NFT collected by Adub_P)
This one is emotional—it takes me back to 2020, when I first saw this style in a dream. It features charcoal-heavy contrasts with bright highlights that symbolize hope.
Closing Remarks
The year was not without its challenges—balancing art, music, and writing; navigating the NFT space; dealing with insomnia and failure. Yet, every obstacle shaped my growth. To every artist out there: you can achieve whatever you put your mind to, no matter the circumstances. I’m grateful for 2022 and excited to see what 2023 brings.