Osinachi: The African Crypto Artist Who Turned Microsoft Word Into a Canvas
Ever heard a Native African name?
Next time you do, don’t bite your tongue trying to pronounce it, just ask for the meaning.
Our names tell a story. It’s always a statement, a prophecy, a calling. That’s where our creativity starts; from the names we’re given before we know ourselves. Now all that’s left for us is to leave an imprint with those names.
Our muse for today is Prince Jacon Osinachi Igwe popularly known as Osinachi, a native name which translates to ‘It comes from God.’ Considering how mind blowing his arts are, best believe it came from God.
In a world where the art of drawing and painting feels saturated, what makes Osinachi exceptional?
Osinachi is an artist whose thought-provoking artwork symbolises calm, chaos and vivid imagination with a storytelling style that mixes personal reflection with social commentary.
“It’s inspired by the natural world and how we as humans have contributed… and taken from the natural world.”
His words.
Osinachi’s story mirrors the rise of digital creativity in Nigeria.
Before becoming Africa’s first crypto artist, Osinachi worked as an academic Librarian at a Nigerian university, he did not have access to expensive design softwares. He made use of what he had; drawing tools from Microsoft Word.
Yes, the same MS-Word you type your documents with!
Looking at Osinachi’s art works, you might wonder, how does he do that with just Microsoft Word?
Well, you’d have to ask him yourself cause I don’t know either.
His ability to manipulate basic shapes; square, circle, cube, and turn them into faces, arms and entire scenes is simply outstanding, an innovative way of using modern tools to create art. People didn’t believe his art came from Word, and honestly, you might not believe it either when you see it, otherwise he wouldn’t be a digital artist.
In case you’re wondering what that means, here’s the deal.
During his early career, Osinachi learnt about blockchain and NFTs and how they serve as digital certificates that proves ownership. Imagine discovering that you can turn your artworks into digital assets.
So basically he draws inspiration from the natural life around him, uses Microsoft Word to draw them, uploads it to a blockchain and lists it on NFTs marketplaces, then collectors around the world buy his art.
We’re not just talking about a Creative right here, we’re also talking about a business man.
There’s an African adage that says: A good product sells itself.
Osinachi’s transition was natural. From being a Librarian to posting his works online, discovering NFTs and selling online. He didn’t need loud marketing to sell, people saw value and came to him.
In 2021, his series “Different Shades of Water” became the first NFT collection by a contemporary African artist exhibited and sold by Christie’s in Europe, in collaboration with the 1-54 African Art Fair.
His art was soon featured in CNN, BBC, and Forbes Africa, which called him “Africa’s foremost crypto artist.”
Osinachi has become a force in the African creative world. He started something and he’s not stopping anytime soon.
I would like you to take away the fact that Osinachi started with what he had, no fancy or expensive tools, just passion, drive and talent.
A lesson for every Creative.
Let the originality in you thrive and people will see your value.