Travelogue by Osaru Obaseki

During her residency in Venice, Osaru Obaseki continues to push the boundaries of her artistic exploration. 
Upon her arrival in the city, she is immediately captivated by its unique atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. Eager to immerse herself in the vibrant energy of Venice, Osaru sets out to explore its winding streets and iconic landmarks.
As she navigates the maze-like alleys and picturesque canals, Osaru finds inspiration at every turn. The timeless beauty of Venetian architecture and the tranquil rhythm of life along the waterways fuel her creativity, sparking new ideas for her artwork.
A highlight of Osaru's residency is her visit to Murano, the renowned island famous for its glass-making traditions. Here, she has the opportunity to learn from local artisans and master the craft of glassblowing, a skill that has been passed down through generations in Venice.
Armed with her newfound knowledge and appreciation for glass as a medium, Osaru returns to her studio with a renewed sense of purpose. Incorporating glass into her artistic repertoire, she begins to experiment with its unique properties, blending it seamlessly with her signature sand and acrylics.
Each day brings new discoveries and challenges as Osaru pushes the boundaries of her artistic practice. With each piece she creates, she seeks to capture the essence of Venice, weaving together elements of its history, culture, and natural beauty into her innovative contemporary works of art.
13 February 2024
  • Osaru Obaseki's journey took an enchanting turn when she ventured to Murano, the illustrious island celebrated for its centuries-old tradition... Osaru Obaseki's journey took an enchanting turn when she ventured to Murano, the illustrious island celebrated for its centuries-old tradition... Osaru Obaseki's journey took an enchanting turn when she ventured to Murano, the illustrious island celebrated for its centuries-old tradition... Osaru Obaseki's journey took an enchanting turn when she ventured to Murano, the illustrious island celebrated for its centuries-old tradition... Osaru Obaseki's journey took an enchanting turn when she ventured to Murano, the illustrious island celebrated for its centuries-old tradition... Osaru Obaseki's journey took an enchanting turn when she ventured to Murano, the illustrious island celebrated for its centuries-old tradition... Osaru Obaseki's journey took an enchanting turn when she ventured to Murano, the illustrious island celebrated for its centuries-old tradition... Osaru Obaseki's journey took an enchanting turn when she ventured to Murano, the illustrious island celebrated for its centuries-old tradition... Osaru Obaseki's journey took an enchanting turn when she ventured to Murano, the illustrious island celebrated for its centuries-old tradition... Osaru Obaseki's journey took an enchanting turn when she ventured to Murano, the illustrious island celebrated for its centuries-old tradition... Osaru Obaseki's journey took an enchanting turn when she ventured to Murano, the illustrious island celebrated for its centuries-old tradition...
    Osaru Obaseki's journey took an enchanting turn when she ventured to Murano, the illustrious island celebrated for its centuries-old tradition of glass-making. From the moment she set foot on its storied shores, Osaru found herself enveloped in an atmosphere steeped in artistry and craftsmanship.
    During her time at the Berengo Studio in Murano, Osaru Obaseki embarked on a fascinating journey that combined tradition with innovation, casting her sculptures in the luminous medium of glass under the expert guidance of the studio's maestros. Initially, Osaru observed the meticulous process from beginning to end, beginning with the creation of her clay model. As the first sculpture took shape, she witnessed the careful crafting of the mold that would eventually hold the molten glass. With each step, from firing the piece in the furnace to sandblasting and polishing, she gained a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of glass casting.
    But Osaru's experience didn't stop at observation. Eager to immerse herself in the craft, she participated in every stage of the process, guided by the skilled hands of the studio's craftsmen. From sculpting the clay model to creating the mold for casting, she embraced the challenges and triumphs of each step with enthusiasm and determination.
    Through her collaboration with the Berengo Foundation, Osaru found not only a platform for artistic expression but also a profound connection to the rich cultural heritage of Murano. As she breathed new life into ancient techniques, she forged a dialogue between past and present, creating works of art that resonated with a sense of timelessness and possibility.
  • During her residency in Venice, Osaru Obaseki has immersed herself in the culture and history of the city, drawing inspiration... During her residency in Venice, Osaru Obaseki has immersed herself in the culture and history of the city, drawing inspiration... During her residency in Venice, Osaru Obaseki has immersed herself in the culture and history of the city, drawing inspiration... During her residency in Venice, Osaru Obaseki has immersed herself in the culture and history of the city, drawing inspiration... During her residency in Venice, Osaru Obaseki has immersed herself in the culture and history of the city, drawing inspiration... During her residency in Venice, Osaru Obaseki has immersed herself in the culture and history of the city, drawing inspiration... During her residency in Venice, Osaru Obaseki has immersed herself in the culture and history of the city, drawing inspiration... During her residency in Venice, Osaru Obaseki has immersed herself in the culture and history of the city, drawing inspiration... During her residency in Venice, Osaru Obaseki has immersed herself in the culture and history of the city, drawing inspiration...
    During her residency in Venice, Osaru Obaseki has immersed herself in the culture and history of the city, drawing inspiration from its myriad attractions and landmarks. Each excursion has fueled her creative spirit, bringing new depth and resonance to her multidisciplinary visual art.
    Osaru began her exploration by visiting the Museum of Natural History, where she had the privilege of immersing herself in the ethnographic collection of Giovanni Miani. Here, among artifacts and specimens from around the world, she was captivated by the intricate stories woven into each object, which sparked ideas for her artistic endeavors.
    Osaru then ventured into the Gallerie dell'Accademia museum, home to the world's most important collection of Venetian art. Immersed in the masterpieces of the past, she found inspiration for a diptych she is currently creating that seamlessly blends the historical legacy of Venetian art with her own contemporary vision.
    In her search for architectural inspiration, Osaru found herself drawn to the majestic splendor of Piazza San Marco. There, amid the grandeur of Venetian palazzos and the intricate beauty of the city's iconic doors and windows, she discovered a wealth of design motifs that would later find expression in her artwork.
    But Osaru's exploration of Venice extended beyond its historical treasures. Eager to explore the contemporary art scene, she joined the Peggy Guggenheim Collection where she was greeted by a stunning array of modern masterpieces. Here, among the works of artists such as Marcel Duchamp, she found a dialogue between past and present, tradition and innovation, that resonated deeply with her own artistic sensibilities.
  • As Osaru delved deeper into the vibrant tapestry of Venice, her journey took a fascinating turn. Among the many people... As Osaru delved deeper into the vibrant tapestry of Venice, her journey took a fascinating turn. Among the many people... As Osaru delved deeper into the vibrant tapestry of Venice, her journey took a fascinating turn. Among the many people... As Osaru delved deeper into the vibrant tapestry of Venice, her journey took a fascinating turn. Among the many people... As Osaru delved deeper into the vibrant tapestry of Venice, her journey took a fascinating turn. Among the many people... As Osaru delved deeper into the vibrant tapestry of Venice, her journey took a fascinating turn. Among the many people... As Osaru delved deeper into the vibrant tapestry of Venice, her journey took a fascinating turn. Among the many people...
    As Osaru delved deeper into the vibrant tapestry of Venice, her journey took a fascinating turn. Among the many people she met, one stood out: Shaul Bassi, a professor at Ca' Foscari University of Venice. Their meeting was sparked by a shared curiosity about the intertwined narratives of Africa and Venice, encapsulated in the book “African Venice”. 
    Osaru found herself immersed in a world where history, culture, and art seamlessly converged. The presentation of "African Venice", in which she took part, became a focal moment, not only in her exploration of the city, but also in her own artistic development. The pages of the book became her compass, guiding her through the labyrinthine streets and canals, revealing hidden stories waiting to be unearthed.
    Osaru's creative endeavors then began to crystallize and find expression in unexpected forms. It was through the lens of glass that her vision found resonance, and it was the renowned Glasstress exhibition, orchestrated by the Berengo Foundation, that provided the perfect stage for her art to unfold.
    As for now, the fruits of her labor are manifesting in tangible forms. Her canvases bear the imprint of her experiences, each brushstroke tells a story of cultural exchange and artistic exploration and with June on the horizon, Osaru finds herself warming up for her upcoming solo exhibition.