MEET
Okamar Onesmus
Okamar Onesmus is a celebrated Kenyan visual artist known for his emotionally resonant work in painting and sculpture. Born in Teso-North, Busia County, Onesmus was mentored early on by his uncle, the acclaimed artist Peter Elungat, who provided him with the tools and inspiration to pursue a creative path. His professional journey began in 2012, and by 2014 he had already gained national recognition by winning The Mask Prize for best painting — a distinction he would win again in 2016.
Now a multi-award-winning artist, Okamar Onesmus explores deeply human themes such as self-realization, mental health, coexistence, love, and unity. His work is a visual reflection of the emotional and social dynamics that shape individual and collective experience, often rooted in community narratives and lived realities.
He works from The Kobo Trust Studio in Nairobi, and his art has been exhibited widely both in Kenya and internationally — including at the Saatchi Gallery in London and in Washington, D.C.. Onesmus has participated in numerous group exhibitions, residencies, and workshops, continuously evolving his practice through dialogue and experimentation.
His paintings and sculptures have been acquired by private and corporate collectors across the globe, including the I&M Bank corporate collection, and can be found in collections in the USA, UK, Spain, Asia, and Australia.
Whether through intimate portraits or conceptual compositions, Okamar Onesmus creates art that invites reflection, encourages connection, and speaks to the soul of contemporary African life.
