Participating in ONCA Gallery’s 2024 Associate Artist Programme has been an invaluable experience, both professionally and personally.

Contributing to an exhibition on the theme of biodiversity provided a unique opportunity to deepen my engagement with ecological issues through my artistic practice. While I had previously touched on these themes in my work, this programme helped me recognise the extent to which biodiversity underpins my creative vision. It also reaffirmed the value of my work and how I could channel it toward serving a greater purpose.

The programme fostered a supportive and intellectually enriching environment, allowing me to refine my ideas while educating myself and others about the critical importance of biodiversity. Working alongside ONCA’s dedicated team facilitated meaningful collaborations and the exchange of ideas, broadening my perspective on the intersection of art and environmental advocacy. The guidance I received from Maddy and Susuana in communicating the message of my work—both visually and contextually—was particularly transformative.

The exhibition itself created a space for dialogue, where my work could connect with a wide audience. Witnessing the thoughtful conversations and emotional responses it inspired highlighted the power of art to encourage awareness, foster connections, and prompt reflection on our shared responsibility to protect the natural world.

It is deeply saddening to know that ONCA will be closing its doors at the end of this year. This extraordinary organisation has been a cornerstone of the community, providing not only a platform for emerging artists like myself but also a space where education, creativity, and friendship could thrive. Its unwavering dedication to fostering connections between people and the planet has left an indelible mark, and its absence will be profoundly felt.

ONCA’s commitment to nurturing artists while addressing urgent global challenges is truly inspiring. Being part of this programme has left a lasting impact on my practice, reaffirming my belief in the transformative potential of art. I am profoundly grateful to have contributed to ONCA’s legacy and to have witnessed first-hand the extraordinary work it has achieved in service of art, community, and environmental awareness.

Photography by Gurnoor Singh

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Syl Ojalla is a self-taught artist honing his craft since pursuing an MA in Photography at the University of Brighton in 2018. His work weaves themes of spirituality and the sublime in the context of the anthropocene. Syl utilises photography as a means of communication to probe introspection, challenge limiting beliefs, and pave the way to a more fulfilled and expansive existence grounded in collective growth. Merging medium and large format analogue photography with digital imaging technologies, involves experimental practices which yield effects like solarisation, tone changes, and alternative photographic looks. Prints are meticulously crafted on natural fibre archival papers, predominantly Japanese Washi, Agava, and Bamboo, chosen for their texture and longevity. Each print is treated as an individual ‘object’, drawing inspiration from the Japanese tradition and aesthetic of ‘wabi-sabi’ – embracing impermanence, imperfection and natural beauty.

sylojalla.com