Oscar Joyo b. 1992

Oscar Joyo is a Malawian-born, Chicago-based artist who creates work that blends Afrofuturism and Afrosurrealism. His artistic journey began in childhood drawing cartoons in Malawi and continued in Chicago, where he earned a BFA in Life Drawing from The American Academy of Art in 2015. Shortly after, he developed his signature style of vivid portraiture and tribal patterns.  Working primarily in acrylic and resin on wood, Joyo uses resin to add depth and dimension, while his chromesthesia—seeing colors when hearing sounds—informs his vibrant color palettes. His paintings celebrate his Malawian heritage through dynamic shapes, patterns, and intergalactic color schemes.  Active in Chicago’s mural scene, Joyo has created public works across the Midwest and collaborated with brands including the NFL, Doc Martens, and Nike. His work is both a homage to his African roots and a vision of a hopeful future for people of color.