When people look at my art, they often comment on the style—how a hyper-realistic portrait can coexist so harmoniously with abstract, geometric elements. What many don’t know is that this fusion is deeply inspired by De Stijl, an early 20th-century Dutch art movement that values simplicity, order, and balance.
But how does a movement known for stark geometry and primary colors find its way into the highly emotive world of portraiture? The answer lies in my personal artistic journey and a desire to bring structure and vibrancy to the human stories I portray.
What Is De Stijl?
De Stijl, which translates to “The Style,” was founded in 1917 by artists like Piet Mondrian and Theo van Doesburg. The movement sought to create a universal aesthetic through abstraction, using straight lines, rectangular forms, and a limited color palette of red, blue, yellow, black, and white. It emphasized harmony and order, stripping art of emotional chaos to focus on pure form and color.
This philosophy fascinated me when I first encountered it. Its disciplined simplicity stood in stark contrast to the organic, expressive nature of portraiture. Yet, I saw a potential connection—a way to use the structure of De Stijl to complement the humanity of my subjects
How I Merge De Stijl with Realism
In my work, I don’t replicate De Stijl’s rigid compositions in the background, as some might expect. Instead, I’ve reimagined its principles in the foreground—infusing the clothes, accessories, or other elements of my subjects with Mondrian-inspired blocks of color and pattern.
For example:
This interplay between realism and abstraction feels like a dance—one enhances the other. The geometric elements provide structure and vibrancy, while the realistic portrait brings depth and emotion.
Why De Stijl Resonates With Me
As a Nigerian artist living in Toronto, my art is a bridge between worlds: the rich cultural heritage of my roots and the modern, global influences I encounter daily. De Stijl’s universality speaks to me—it’s a language of art that transcends borders, yet it allows for individuality.
Incorporating De Stijl principles into my work also reflects my belief in balance. Life is often chaotic, but art offers a chance to impose order, even if only within the bounds of a canvas. The structured designs of De Stijl remind me that simplicity can coexist with complexity—a philosophy that mirrors my approach to storytelling through portraits.
The Role of Color and Storytelling
The De Stijl color palette—red, yellow, and blue—carries its own emotional weight. When applied to clothing or accessories in my portraits, these colors take on symbolic meanings:
• Red evokes passion, strength, or resilience.
• Yellow symbolizes joy, warmth, and hope.
• Blue reflects calmness, introspection, or even sadness.
These colors not only add vibrancy but also help tell the story of my subject. Combined with the portrait’s realism, they create layers of meaning, inviting the viewer to explore both the individual and the universal.
Finding Harmony in Art and Life
At its core, De Stijl teaches us about harmony—the delicate balance of elements that creates something greater than the sum of its parts. In my art, this philosophy extends beyond composition. It’s about blending my personal identity as a Nigerian, a Toronto-based artist, and a storyteller of Black lives.
Through this fusion of realism and minimalism, I’ve found a way to honor tradition while embracing innovation. De Stijl’s influence reminds me that art is not just about what we see; it’s about how we feel, how we connect, and how we create order out of chaos.
So the next time you see a portrait of mine with striking geometric details, know that it’s more than just an aesthetic choice. It’s a conversation between the old and the new, the abstract and the real—a reflection of life itself.