RE-INVENTING

Osogbo art, which previously stood at the forefront of Nigeria artistic heritage, has gradually been relegated to the background. These is, however, a pressing need to re-project it within present and contemporary artistic practice. Despite the rich artistic and cultural significance of Osogbo art style, there exists a notable gap in research regarding the specific intersection of the elements of impasto technique in painting. While impasto techniques have been extensively studied in Western art traditions, their application within the context of Osogbo art style remains largely unaccessed. The aim of the study was to produce paintings that depict the interplay of texture and alternative display of the Osogbo art style in contemporary painting. The design of the study was exploratory and studio-based to produce paintings in Osogbo art style in a contemporary format using impasto texture to be display on alternative diagonal placement using oil colour as medium painted on canvas. The materials used include oil colour, palette knives, canvas, and linseed oil using studio procedures. The procedure involved six main stages include: stretching, sizing, priming, sketching, painting, and finishing. Impasto technique. executed primarily with palette knives, was applied to create texture and are visually analyzed. The finding of the study are the following: Use of Impasto: Impasto introduced tactile qualities to Osogbo inspired paintings, adding depth, rhythm, and material presence that enhanced their symbolic and narrative strength, Cultural Relevance: The paintings successfully expressed themes rooted in Yoruba culture, such as maternal love (Donkeys in the Groove), social reflection (Sober Reflection), and memory of the past (In the 90s), while simultaneously addressing contemporary concerns, Aesthetic Enrichment: The interplay of texture expanded the expressive vocabulary of Osogbo art, allowing it to remain vibrant and adaptable to modern artistic practice. Therefore, it has established that impasto can be effectively integrated into Osogbo art, enhancing its tactile and expressive qualities, thus adding dynamism and novelty to art appreciation.