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Artworks / Stanley Onah / 1788
1788 by Stanley Onah
Stanley Onah

1788

£3,150
Medium
Oil and oil pastel on linen-lined board, tray framed
Size
100 × 100 cm · Medium
Style
Portraiture

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Part of the “From Ancient Braids, To Contemporary Fades” Collection 2025 In 1788, Stanley Onah carries us back to the beginning of the braid’s transatlantic journey, a time when hair was both a map and a memory. Against the faint outline of the Atlantic Ocean, a figure wears intricately woven braids that speak to origin, belonging, and survival. Each plait is a thread of lineage, a coded echo of home carried across unimaginable distance. The braids here are not simply adornment; they are acts of resistance and remembrance. In an era of forced displacement, they became vessels of culture, marking regions of ancestry, holding seeds of identity, and preserving stories when words and freedoms were stripped away. Within From Ancient Braids to Contemporary Fades, 1788 serves as the series’ point of genesis: a visual remembrance of how tradition endures even through trauma. Onah’s composition binds geography and memory together, reminding us that from the crossing came continuity, that survival, too, can be an art form.

About the artist

Stanley Onah

Stanley Onah is a contemporary artist whose profound work delves into the complex ideas and concepts intertwined with the human condition. His artistic focus primarily revolves around figurative art, with a keen eye for portraiture and the human form. Stanley's artistic journey finds its roots in the vibrant blend of British and Nigerian influences. Born and raised in the dynamic metropolis of London, his early fascination with art was ignited by the pages of comic books, where he first attempted to replicate the captivating drawings that ignited his imagination. While art has always held a special place in his heart, Stanley didn't embark on a formal study of the craft. It was only later in life, at the age of 33, that he made the courageous decision to pick up the paintbrush and embark on his artistic voyage. Since that pivotal moment, Stanley has been dedicated to crafting his own visual language, expressing the intricate nuances of human existence through the medium of paint. In 2022, he completed his inaugural solo series titled "Born Astride the Grave," a body of work that explores the profound themes of life and mortality. More recently, he unveiled his second solo series, titled "Altered State," drawing inspiration from post-impressionism and cubism. This series serves as a testament to his artistic evolution, demonstrating his ability to seamlessly blend traditional and modern influences into thought-provoking and visually stunning pieces. Stanley Onah's art is a window to the human soul, a reflection of the human experience in all its depth and complexity. With each brushstroke, he captures the essence of his subjects and explores the intricacies of our existence. His work is a journey into the realms of emotion, identity, and the enigmatic tapestry of life, allowing viewers to connect with the deep, universal themes he explores. As an artist who discovered his true calling later in life, Stanley's story serves as an inspiration to those who embark on creative journeys, reminding us that it's never too late to embrace one's passion and cultivate it into a powerful form of self-expression. Through his work, Stanley Onah invites us to ponder the profound questions of our existence and to appreciate the beauty found in the complexities of the human spirit.

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