🎨 Oscar Ekmerdji — Visual &
Mixed-Media Artist
About
Oscar Ekmerdji is a visual and mixed-media artist originally from Venezuela, currently based in Chicago.
His connection to art began at an early age. As a child, he was deeply drawn to painting, clay, and hands-on creation, while simultaneously developing a fascination with electronics — dismantling toys, experimenting with components, and unknowingly creating short circuits at home. That same curiosity continues to define his artistic practice today.
Oscar’s work explores the combination of textures, materials, and unconventional elements, transforming what surrounds him into unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. His art is driven by experimentation, contrast, and an ongoing dialogue between structure and chaos, intuition and intention.
Before fully embracing art, Oscar studied civil engineering at Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Venezuela. After the loss of his father, life shifted abruptly. He left his studies and entered the workforce, immersing himself in a world driven by money, stability, and material success — far removed from art. For a time, comfort replaced creativity. His name circulated, achievements followed, and yet he came to understand that sometimes having everything makes it easier to lose yourself.
What followed was a period of instability, loss, and inner struggle — physical, emotional, and mental. A search for identity, direction, and meaning. Art slowly re-entered his life, not as ambition, but as refuge.
Today, art represents calm, clarity, and survival. It is a space for healing, reflection, and rebuilding. Oscar considers himself a “broken artist” — often without the ideal resources, time, or immediate rewards — but deeply committed to the process. He continues to create without a fixed destination, honoring the journey as an essential part of the work itself.
Building an artistic path in Chicago has been challenging, shaped by cultural shifts, language barriers, and constant obstacles. Still, he moves forward — painting, experimenting, and developing ideas with resilience and optimism. The industry has made clear how difficult this path can be, but Oscar believes that persistence, honesty, and passion inevitably attract better things.
His work is an invitation to embrace imperfection, to find beauty in struggle, and to remember that art is not about having everything — it is about leaving something meaningful behind.
A personal note:
Never stop being an artist if you truly are one. Not everyone is born with that ability. Fight for your dreams and do not fear loss — we are born with nothing, and we only leave our memories behind. May those memories become beautiful and valuable works of art.