By Margherita Cole on May 13, 2022

“These artworks are created to lend voice to all who lack the power to speak in the public domain about sensitive issues that affect humanity.”

Nigerian artist Alex Peter Idoko creates exquisite drawings without the use of a pencil, pen, or paintbrush. Instead, the 30-year-old artist utilizes pyrography—or wood burning—to bring his subjects to life. With this unconventional technique, he masterfully renders the delicate textures of people’s skin and hair with fire until they resemble hyperrealistic portraits.

Originally, from Lagos, Nigeria, Idoko has been passionate about portrait art since he was a student. While his practice began in graphite, charcoal, and pastel, he eventually gravitated towards pyrography art for its powerful visual effects. This process requires him to torch the surface of wood until he achieves the desired darkness, occasionally relying on a razor to scrape away excess.[…]

More: Nigerian Artist “Draws” Hyperrealistic Portraits by Burning Wood