Culturalee reviews In Solitude, Fantasies & Becoming, a compelling solo exhibition of new paintings by Oshorenoya David Francis, a Nigerian-born artist currently based in Doncaster.
Co-curated by Obi Nwaegbe and Natasha Virli, the exhibition runs from 15–17 May 2026 at 1853 Studios, presenting a vivid and emotionally resonant body of work that explores identity, solitude and becoming.
Working primarily in acrylic across canvas and paper, Oshorenoya presents a series of striking figurative paintings, including Chapters in Atomic Habits, Hug, Red Table, Thinking Cap, Thoughts in Blue and Thy Wish. Across these works, he demonstrates a confident command of colour, composition and narrative, capturing intimate, often introspective moments with a distinctive painterly language.
In Hug, a figure sits on a sofa embracing a dog, rendered from an unusual overhead perspective. This compositional choice injects the scene with movement and immediacy, as if the viewer has stumbled upon a private moment from above. The dog’s splayed legs and implied wagging tail convey warmth and affection, while loose, energetic brushstrokes heighten the sense of spontaneity. Oshorenoya’s use of bold, inky blue outlines filled with vibrant colour creates a dynamic tension between structure and freedom, allowing the emotional core of the scene to emerge with clarity.
A similarly evocative atmosphere is found in Thoughts in Blue, an enigmatic portrait of a man dressed in a bright yellow shirt and orange trousers, set against a deep twilight backdrop. The saturated blue tones evoke a nocturnal, almost cinematic setting, suggestive of Mediterranean or tropical climates. The figure’s pensive gaze invites speculation – who is he, and what narrative surrounds him? Oshorenoya resists offering definitive answers, instead constructing a mood that hovers between introspection and anticipation.
Chapters in Atomic Habits depicts a man reading a copy of James Clear’s bestselling book about building good habits and breaking bad ones. On a table in front of him is a blue bottle and suggestions of a meal. Could this enigmatic figure be a self-portrait of the artist? The beauty of Oshorenoya’s portraiture is how he creates a sense of mystery and desire to know more about the suggested narrative.
Stylistically, Oshorenoya’s work recalls the expressive figuration of Paula Rego and the early portraits of David Hockney, particularly in his confident draughtsmanship and bold use of colour. His palette also draws clear lineage from the Fauvist tradition, echoing artists such as Henri Matisse and André Derain. At the same time, his atmospheric use of blues and purples, which imbue his works with a sense of mystery and psychological depth, recalls the tonal explorations of Chris Ofili’s blue period works such as Blue Damascus and Blue Devils.
In Thy Wish, Oshorenoya shifts towards a more relaxed, dreamlike composition. A young man reclines across a luminous purple landscape, surrounded by bright yellow flowers, a speaker placed casually nearby. The scene suggests leisure and contemplation, grounded in the everyday yet heightened by its surreal palette. There are echoes here of Kerry James Marshall, particularly in the depiction of everyday life through scenes of quiet, reflective normalcy.
Oshorenoya’s broader practice is rooted in an exploration of human emotion, identity and lived experience. As an artist navigating migration and cultural displacement, his work often reflects on solitude, self-discovery and emotional well-being, particularly through the lens of the male figure. His paintings function as visual diaries capturing moments of stillness, uncertainty or quiet joy, and imbued with an enchanting sense of introspection.
An Expressionist at heart, Oshorenoya works fluidly across materials, incorporating charcoal, fabric, pastels and vivid pigments alongside paint. His approach simplifies forms while maintaining emotional complexity, allowing him to address themes of social and psychological significance without becoming didactic. There is a subtle current of magical realism in his work, where everyday scenes are infused with dreamlike qualities through colour and composition.
His artistic trajectory is already notable. Oshorenoya has participated in residencies such as Akoje Gallery & Residency in collaboration with The King’s Foundation at Dumfries House in Scotland, and group exhibitions including UP TOWN AGAIN at Two Queens in Leicester. He has also exhibited in Life in My City Art Festival, one of Nigeria’s most prominent art festivals. Currently undertaking an MA in Contemporary Art Practice in the UK, he continues to refine a practice that is both personal and globally resonant.
What distinguishes Oshorenoya is not only his technical ability, his assured draughtsmanship and sophisticated understanding of colour, but also his willingness to embrace vulnerability in his subject matter. His paintings do not seek spectacle, rather they dwell in moments of quiet intensity, where meaning is accumulated through gesture, atmosphere and emotional nuance.
In Solitude, Fantasies & Becoming positions Oshorenoya David Francis as an artist of considerable promise. His work bridges art historical influence with contemporary concerns, demonstrating a maturity that belies his years. As he continues to develop his voice, there is little doubt that he is an artist to watch – one whose practice is already carving out a distinctive and compelling place within the contemporary art landscape.
Oshorenoya David Francis In Solitude, Fantasies & Becoming is at 1853 Studios in Manchester from 15–17 May 2026. Find more information here.
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