Oye Diran was born in Lagos, Nigeria and moved to New York during his childhood. Oye Diran uses a bold eye to capture and evoke raw emotions through imagery and fusing pops of color with detailed motifs that convey the essence and spirit of his subjects. Oye’s style is unique and fresh.
Oye Diran’s work primarily takes a view on the beauty of the people. He highlights Black features and fashion positively with a deeper level of understanding. Through his photographs, he aims to convey black attributes with the use of fine art and conceptual themes.
Each of his projects share this similar messaging but with the use of different elements. These elements are derived from different cultures around the world, royalty and the symbolical meaning of colors.
Oye Duran aims to convey life lessons and experiences that inspire his audience.
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“A TI DE” meaning “WE HAVE ARRIVED”
Oye Diran is the creative director for the “A TI DE” project, for Nataal, a global media brand, launched in May 2018, which focuses on celebrating contemporary African fashion, visual arts, travel and society.
Nataal collaborates globally to curate talks, exhibitions and events. Their partners include AKAA in Paris, Southbank Centre in London and M-Bassy in Hamburg. They have also been a media partner for Afropunk Fest, Design Indaba and ARTX Lagos.
In May 2016 they co-hosted their first New African Photography exhibition with Red Hook Labs in Brooklyn, which has gone on to become an annual show.
Oye Diran chose to explore the vintage Yoruba fashion from the 60s, 70s & 80s, with a primary focus on the timeless Iro and Buba pieces.
The “A TI DE” series promote the richness of the cultural fashion during that era and he is pushing for a renaissance of the Yoruba ladies’ classical pieces.
Oye Diran reminisces on his influences as a child. “Growing up as a kid in Lagos, Nigeria, I recall looking at old pictures of my mother, her friends and family.
From their stylish conventional Yoruba attires to more contemporary styling of the clothing. These curated memories of my heritage are among my inspiration”.