theKraftzone

Artist Profile

theKraftzone
Nigerian-born, UK-based multidisciplinary artist
Omotoyosi Ogunlende, known artistically as theKraftzone (formerly 5and10kraftzone), is a Nigerian-born, UK-based multidisciplinary artist whose work spans sculpture, muralism, string art, and origami. With a background in Fine Art and Sculpture from Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, he has developed a distinctive practice that blends traditional techniques with contemporary themes. Ogunlende's string art portraits, which he began exploring after attending a creative conference in South Africa in 2016, have garnered significant attention. He is recognized as one of the few artists in Nigeria creating string portraits, which are characterized by their semi-silhouette style, achieved by threading colored strings through a grid of nails, resulting in vibrant and dynamic representations of his subjects. Beyond his artistic creations, Ogunlende is deeply committed to education and community engagement. He teaches string art to children during school holidays, fostering creativity and hands-on skills among the younger generation. His dedication to integrating art with education and healing is further exemplified by his fellowship with the Global Arts in Medicine program. Through his multifaceted practice, theKraftzone invites audiences to experience art as a transformative force, bridging cultural divides and promoting dialogue across different mediums and contexts.