The Currency of Hope: The Art of Leonard Ogar

The first time I encountered Leonard Ogar’s work, I felt it breathe life. His paintings have the power to pull me in completely, with realism and chromatic richness that ignite my imagination and make each scene feel alive.

When we arranged a video call, Leonard stepped out of his art class for a precious fifteen minutes — a testament to his dedication, as he is still completing his degree in Creative Arts at the University of Lagos. Since then, Leonard has graduated, marking an important milestone in his artistic journey. From the moment we began speaking, it was clear that his journey was both deeply personal and unwaveringly passionate.

Leonard’s artistic path began in childhood with doodles of everything around him. Initially, his father did not view art as a viable pursuit. But over time, Leonard’s persistence and talent won him over. One turning point came when Leonard drew a Nigerian banknote so precisely that he successfully used it during a shop visit — only to later confess to the merchant, who returned both the note and the purchased item as a gesture of admiration.

Instead of turning to counterfeiting, Leonard channelled this remarkable skill into meaningful art. His banknotes now depict people from rural Nigeria — individuals he believes are often undervalued in society — as a way to emphasize that everyone has worth and contributes to the nation’s fabric. It’s a subtle yet universal message, because money is something every person relates to.

Born in 2000, in Lagos State and hailing from Cross River State, Leonard had little formal mentorship early on. His first real immersion in the art world came when he began studying his dream course: Visual Arts at the University of Lagos. Working primarily in painting, he draws inspiration from questions — questions that lead to decisions, actions, and the search for answers — as well as from his surroundings, his faith, and his vision of a more hopeful society.

His practice often focuses on the theme of hope, a common thread running through his works. Influenced by artists such as Mr. Damilola Opedun and Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo, Leonard seeks to communicate beauty, optimism, and the dignity of everyday people. He has exhibited in Levi Unite II (2022) and Art in Healing (2022), and his “Questions” series has since been successfully presented in 2024 at Emerging Expression, hosted by Creath Innovations. In this body of work, the average Nigerian is given a prominent place on the nation’s currency — a symbolic affirmation that every person holds value and potential.

Leonard’s dream extends beyond his own success: he hopes to build a platform to discover and mentor young artists, helping them overcome the family and societal pressures that often derail creative careers. His vision is to bring the optimism he holds in his mind into tangible beauty that people, regardless of race or background, can connect with.

Our conversation may have been brief, but it left a lasting impression. Leonard, I don’t have a crystal ball — but I see a bright, flourishing future ahead for you.

To purchase one or more of Leonard’s striking works, click here.

Follow him at: https://www.instagram.com/_ogarleonard/

Location: Lagos (Nigeria)