Alex Peter Idoko, born in 1992 in Abuja, Nigeria, is a self-taught pyrography artist whose work ignites the soul with its innovative use of fire and razor. Despite holding a degree in Accounting, Idoko’s artistic journey has been ablaze with creativity since his youth. Growing up in Lagos, he discovered his gift for art through drawing on the ground and then on paper with pencil and pastel. However, the embers of a deeper calling lingered, leading him to embrace pyrography, the art of burning images into wood, as his true medium.
Using fire, razor, and sandpaper as his tools, Alex carved hyperreal and surreal figures onto wood, creating deeply introspective works that explore identity and the unspoken emotions of everyday life. Each stroke of fire carries a whisper of identity and unseen emotions, transforming wood into a canvas of intimate expressions. His early works reflect a profound connection to his subjects, capturing the stillness and depth of human experiences.
The fire of creativity burned bright within Alex, pushing him beyond the familiar warmth of wood. He embarked on a transformative journey, transitioning to painting with fire and acrylic on canvas—a pioneering technique he calls pyro-fusionism. This innovative approach blends the warmth of woodburning with the coolness of paint, birthing a new realm of artistic expression. The result is a unique fusion that elevates his art to new heights, bridging traditional pyrography with contemporary painting.
Alex’s art captures quiet moments where emotions linger, whispering to his soul. He draws inspiration from everyday scenes and the socio-cultural landscape around him, igniting them on canvas with a fiery passion. These transformed figures serve as mirrors, reflecting not only their own narratives but also Alex’s vulnerabilities and strengths. His work becomes a stage where self-discovery intertwines with the beauty and complexity of human experiences, creating a visual landscape that resonates deeply with viewers.
Idoko’s talent has been recognized on international platforms, with his participation in exhibitions such as Black Liquid ART in Italy (2023), The Natural at Coningsby Gallery in London (2023), and Context Art Miami Fair in Florida (2021). He has also showcased his work at MONIKER ART FAIR NYC (2018) and Omenka Gallery in Lagos (2016). Awards like the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize and the Artnation People’s Choice Award 2022 attest to his dedication to using art as a means of social change and raising awareness. For Alex Peter Idoko, valuing the true essence of life in all its diversities remains the heartbeat of his artistic journey.
