Armstrong Oke Agoreyo, a Nigerian born artist embarked on his artistic journey driven by a profound dedication to sustainability and a fervent desire to effect positive change in his surroundings. After completing his education at Catholic Comprehensive High School in Ogun State, Nigeria, Armstrong pursued a degree in Fine and Applied Art at the University of Benin, graduating in 2015. In 2023, he relocated to the United Kingdom to pursue a Master's degree in Art at the University of Derby.
Over the past six years, Armstrong has actively participated in five art exhibitions and contests, showcasing his distinctive flair and passion for Eco art. The high cost of paint in Nigeria led Armstrong to experiment with materials thus utilizing political posters made from papers to form intricate collage paintings. He wields his creativity like a magic wand, transforming discarded paper waste into exquisite works of art that captivate and inspire. With a passion for keeping his environment pristine, he has developed a unique flair for recycling paper, turning what others see as refuse into priceless masterpieces. Through experimentation and innovation, he discovered the transformative power of repurposing paper waste into art, breathing new life into materials that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. This unconventional approach sparked his creativity and laid the foundation for his unique artistic style. Today, Armstrong remains the only Nigerian collage artist who has been able to capture his audience with his tiny paper cuts to achieving spectacular brush stroke effects from afar. His works continue to reflect his Nigerian heritage, shredding papers into extremely tiny paper cuts and pasting together to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and celebrate the resilience of the human spirit. He finds inspiration for his artwork by interacting with his immediate environment and most times from the most unlikely sources.
Each piece he creates tells a story of renewal and regeneration, showcasing the beauty that can emerge from even the most humble beginnings. From intricate paper collage paintings to vibrant mixed-media collages, his work reflects a reverence for nature and a dedication to preserving it for future generations.
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"Insecurity" portrays the challenges encountered by young girls who were kidnapped by religious extremists in Northern Nigeria. Through intricate cuts, the artwork vividly depicts the emotional complexity experienced by victims of kidnapping and how this affects their social and emotional state even after being released. It serves as a compelling visual narrative, highlighting the harsh realities faced by females in a society plagued by insecurity as it exposes the urgent need to advocate for the protection of the vulnerable members of society.
