Today’s artist is a digital artist-cum-engineer who goes by the name of “Mr.Brightside” whose weird, twisted yet profound sketches is a reflective exploration of the human state – physical and mental. His art stands out from the multitude of other artists due to its accented uniqueness and inventiveness which enthralls and unnerves all at the same time. Onen’s works are multi-faceted and open ended to the point of debate. It embodies a sense of existential vagueness that instinctively entices the feral remnants of our collective primate heritage.
Our contributor Jungio chats with the self- taught digital artist about his transition from drawing cartoon characters as a kid – to diving into the dark and surreal inspired by Japanese art and culture, current art scene in Nagaland and more.
Photo : Digital artist Onen from Nagaland
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Tell me a little about yourself?
My name is Bendangonen Atsongchanger but I go by the name of Mr. Brightside :D. I am 25 years of age from Mokokchung, Nagaland and currently pursuing my Bachelor’s in Computer engineering from Pune.
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How would you describe your art? What or who are your influences?
I don’t exactly know how to put it but my art as you can see is dark and surreal. Growing up, I was an avid “Cartoon Network” watcher and this early obsession with cartoons definitely pushed me into the realm of art. My early drawings were mostly comic book characters like Power Rangers, Pokemon, DBZ. With time, I developed a strong inclination towards dark and surreal art which Japanese art and culture are to be credited for. My influences in no particular order are Junji Ito, Salvador Dali, David Lynch, Sir Cornella, Chiara Bautista, Wataboku etc . . and the list is growing with each passing day!
Growing up, I was an avid “Cartoon Network” watcher and this early obsession with cartoons definitely pushed me into the realm of art. My early drawings were mostly comic book characters like Power Rangers, Pokemon, DBZ
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Did you take any professional course?
I am self-taught. I had come this far through endless trial and error and hopefully will continue to do so.
Title: Daydream, Artwork by Onen
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What is the motivation behind your art? How is your creative process like?
For me, motivation comes in various forms and shapes. Emotions always play a huge role along with music, movies, books and sometimes even quotes.
“My creative process is quite unorthodox in the sense that when I come across anything mundane or ordinary, I have this raging itch to portray it in the most insane and outrageous way possible. It may sound weird but that’s usually how I go about it. It is also kind of self satisfactory and fulfilling, well at least for me.“
Title: “Steven’s groove” Artwork by Onen
“Weirdo Wannabes” Artwork by Onen
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Your thoughts on the current art scene in Nagaland?
I am very optimistic about the art scene in Nagaland, there are so many insanely talent creators dabbling with myriad genres under the sun to astounding success. They inspire my creativity. However, there is one thing that bugs me and it is the lack of originality and innovation. Most of the young artists fall into the trap of simply recreating or copying pre-existing arts. I definitely have no issue if that is what they aspire to do. But with so much talent and skill, we all can push ourselves off the cliff of Samesville and jump into creating something fresh and new, maybe even radical.
“Most of the young artists fall into the trap of simply recreating or copying pre-existing arts. I definitely have no issue if that is what they aspire to do. But with so much talent and skill, we all can push ourselves off the cliff of Samesville and jump into creating something fresh and new, maybe even radical.”
Title: Lonely, Artwork by Onen
Follow Onen on Instagram to be on the bright side ; )
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