odious: Artist Spotlight

Behind odious' demons, you will observe characters that are filled with emptiness and love. They too are trying to figure out what this chaotic thing we call "life" is all about.

- zonted

For someone who only joined "art twitter" a few months ago, odious' characters have been shared and loved by all who have laid eyes on them. Today's interview discusses the meaning behind the characters and the approach behind the art.

🖼 view odious' art in the zonted genesis exhibition: https://www.cryptovoxels.com/play?coords=N@293E,587N,4.5U

How did art enter your life?

I’ve always had weird thoughts roaming around my mind, this year I decided to bring them to light. Growing up I felt very lonely mentally, analysing people and realising they don’t think how I think which led to minor detachments with reality, a very dark and scary mindset that probably helped spark the creative child within me.

What inspires you to create art? Why?

I love art, I’m thankful for art and being surrounded by art is a blessing to wake up to. I joined art twitter in August 2020 and have since grown a following of like minded individuals and incredible artists.

I never would have thought my art would be heard, but this short journey has taught me there are others out there that think like me, I’m not alone, and things do get better with conversation, which has helped my mental tremendously.

How would you describe your artistic style?

I want my art to be ever evolving, I don’t want to be tied down to a set style or concept, it’s always on the move, but my characters move with me.

Current favorite works

I don’t release a piece unless I could see myself hanging it up on my wall. So every new piece I release becomes my favourite, the attachment you form whilst creating and the emotions you go through, becomes an experience for both yourself and the art and it’s a different experience every time.

If I had to pick one, “protector” would be my favourite, it’s a very emotional piece and is dedicated to my mum, she’s my rock and I owe her the world.

Where did the idea of the “odious creature” come from?

Odious was formed over various developmental pieces. I wanted my character to feel soulless but also very full of life, a double negative that maybe only I understand, portraying my intrusive thoughts through the thorns that are wrapped around the body.

I put my demons on display so it only felt right that the character would take the shape of a demon/devil figure.

Why are black & red your preferred color choices?

When you mix all the colours in the rainbow you create black, but in the process it loses its colour. This is sort of how I feel, I have everything I could ever want, but sometimes I still feel like the only person in the world, almost like the colour is being drained from me.

The red was introduced when I started adding hearts to my work, I wanted something that contrasted well, but at first glance gives you a clear indication of love. I guess you could say love at first sight.

What’s the story behind the ‘chaos’ in the eyes of your character?

No matter the scenario, there is always chaos in my mind. It’s contained chaos, but it’s chaos nonetheless.

My characters eyes are always bright, they stand out and are always looking directly down the lens. The chaos is used more as a tool, it allows my characters to pierce through the darkness that is falling around them.

What excites you most about your future with art?

I have no idea where I will be, I know where I want to be, but only the future will tell. I’m excited for the crypto art space, it’s so young, just a small seed with so much room to grow.

I’m just happy I can be one of the contributing water droplets that are keeping this plant alive. Crypto art is the future.

Where do you see yourself going?

I don’t know in all honesty, this space is incredibly unpredictable, but that’s the beauty. It’s such an eye opening space for newly introduced artists and even artists that are established, changing lives for the better and removing the stigma behind ‘starving artists’.

I am very grateful for the collectors that have picked up my work early and believed in me since the jump. I will continue to expand my knowledge in this space and allow my art to evolve organically, this has been a life changing opportunity for me and I’m incredibly excited for the future of crypto art.

Any shout outs?

• Thanks to @fewocious for being the first to make a leap in this space and pathing the way for artists to follow.
• Thanks to @loopify for offering assistance in the space and always being there to answer any questions I have.
• Thanks to @superrare for giving me the opportunity to showcase my art to an array of tasteful collectors.
• Thanks to @zontedart for putting this interview together 🖤
• Thanks to all my collectors.

Exhibitions & press

zonted genesis exhibition
1/1/2021—4/30/2021

The first ever ("genesis") digital art exhibition by zonted art gallery. The exhibition features sculptures, installations, videos, and digital creations by a wide array of notable international artists that are on the forefront of digital art.

Visit the exhibition here: https://www.cryptovoxels.com/parcels/3734

Learn more about odious

• Look at odious' past work: https://www.todayodious.com/
• Find odious' minted artworks: https://superrare.co/odious
• Follow odious' on social media:
  - https://twitter.com/todayodious
  - https://www.instagram.com/todayodious/
• Visit odious' home of lost thoughts: https://www.cryptovoxels.com/parcels/4248
• Email odious: todayodious@gmail.com