London-based Wilson Oryema is a talented artist, model, and ecological activist who is an important voice of his generation. Through his writing and art, he addresses the highly topical issue of consumption and its effects on human behaviour and the environment. One of his major themes is the pain that we feel for the world.
Oryema has successfully worked as a model for major campaigns and shows such as Versace, and he is especially aware of sustainability and the environment in the fashion industry. In an interview with Eco-Age Magazine, he said that he aims to push the conversation in the direction of sustainability through the fashion brands he works with and his art and writing on the theme of “consumption.”
Through his work, Oryema links art, fashion, writing, and political thoughts to create a better world. In his poetry book, “Wait,” he critiques our consumer society in an ironic yet serious and severe way. What is most striking about his work is his very direct, painful yet gentle expression, as seen in his performances of his poetry and artwork in the following video.
“Wait” is not just about consuming products you can buy; it also covers technology, digital products, and ideas and thoughts. Oryema emphasizes that while consuming is important, it’s about careful consumption: enjoying what you have and being mindful in how you approach or consume things.
Ecology and sustainability are particularly important issues for Oryema. Before the publication of his book, he created a photo exhibition with images of waste, successfully exhibited at the Doomed Gallery in London in 2017, drawing attention to our unhealthy relationship with waste and the need to rethink our actions.
What is most striking is his very direct, painful yet gentle expression in his poems, as in the one in the following video, in which he performs his poem and artwork from his “Wait” publication for Matchesfashion.com
“I think consuming is very important. But it’s about careful consumption; enjoying the things you have, and being careful in how you approach or consume them.”
The topic of ecology and sustainability is a special concern for him, because before the publication of his book in 2018, the young creative artist created a photo exhibition with various images of waste. These images were successfully exhibited at the Doomed Gallery in London in 2017, drawing attention to our unhealthy relationship with waste and literally screaming at us to rethink our actions.
Get his book “Wait” here
