BE OPEN Art is delighted to announce Omotoyosi Ogunlende, known artistically as theKraftzone, as its Artist of the Month for June 2025, selected by public vote from among the talented creatives featured in our online gallery.
A Nigerian-born, UK-based multidisciplinary artist, Ogunlende’s practice spans sculpture, muralism, origami, and his signature medium—string art. With a background in Fine Art and Sculpture from Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, he blends traditional craftsmanship with innovative visual storytelling.
theKraftzone’s string art portraits—created by threading colored strings through a grid of nails—are known for their vibrant semi-silhouette style and have gained international recognition. Inspired by a creative conference he attended in South Africa in 2016, this unique technique has become a defining element of his artistic identity.
In addition to his studio practice, Ogunlende is passionate about community engagement and arts education. He regularly teaches string art to children during school holidays and is a fellow of the Global Arts in Medicine program, where he uses art to foster healing and connection.
At the end of 2025, the BE OPEN Art Community will select one Artist of the Year from the monthly winners. The chosen artist will receive a €1,000 prize and a dedicated promotional campaign to support the growth of their creative career.