Ugo Agoruah

CONNECT WITH UGO!

Ugo is a professional artist from Atlanta whose work hopes to capture its audience with a combination of depth, arrangement of color, and concept. His work can be seen as didactic in that he uses it to learn more about himself and the thoughts surrounding his art, which has aspects that can often be viewed as a reflection of his own creative processes. His focus ranges from identity, aesthetic, emotional space, and sexuality.

How did you get into art?

"Art, color, and aesthetic has always been something that has interested me. I remember being young and being fascinated with all types of imagery and drawings. Though I had a longstanding interest in the arts, it wasn't until about 2015 that I started considering it seriously. I had taken some time away from academics after realizing that my biology major wasn't quite clicking right with me. The time spent away from academics started leaving me feeling unfocused and lost. I had let himself drown in work for someone else's dream. It was my art, an outlet for my inner self, and my search for meaning and discipline that helped pull me up for air.”

Tell us a little about your art journey and how you have come to where you are now.

“Art has played an influential and positive role in my journey, providing healing and purpose. I reminisce on the times my mother would pray for me to have healing hands as a doctor. Those wishes and prayers sit deep within me as I attempt to heal myself and others through my art.”

Where does your inspiration come from?

“Art is life and life is expressed in so many different types of ways, meaning inspiration can come from just about anywhere, but some of my main source comes from events, and people in my life, as well as music.”

Did you go to art school?

“Wanting to push myself and perfect my craft, I chose to finish my schooling at Kennesaw State University with a bachelor's degree in fine arts with a concentration in painting and drawing.”

Is there something people often overlook in the artistic process?

“Through years of trying to hone my discipline, I have learned that giving up some autonomy has become an important part in my process. Just being able to let go and let the art create and speak for itself along the way has allowed my pieces to grow and evolve from each original conception.”

What is your biggest artistic accomplishment and how did you achieve this?

“One  of my biggest accomplishments so far has been his partnership with the artist collective, @Love.Box.Collection, and curating the first of what was to be an annual artist showcase, Art Nexus.”

What are some of your future aspirations?

“My future aspirations include owning my own studio. Being able to be successful to me means my art spread around the world and in loving homes. That can't be done without the proper physical and mental space to create. This space would allow for future collaborations with other artists as well as act as a space for artists to gather, critique, and uplift each other.”

If you could relay a message to your younger self, what would it say?

“Keep yourself disciplined. Luck is nothing more than opportunity meeting preparedness. Keeping disciplined will keep you prepared.”

What is something you wish people knew about your art?

“My work has been a visualization of where my mind state is, has been, and the continuing journey of my mental growth. I take the life lessons I learn from my mental battles, the inspiration that I get from music, and in combination, make a statement and create a narrative through my art.”