Abraham Onkst is a painter, designer, and creator born and raised in Pennsylvania. Through years of trial and error, experimentation, practice, and patience the artist has developed his own unique style characterized by flowing layers, serendipitous splatters, action, movement, and emotion. Onkst often encodes words, motifs, numbers, and symbols in his works. He gathers much inspiration from language as he states "Some things cannot simply be expressed through words alone."
How did you get into art?
Art has always been a part of my life. Both of my parents are artistic. My dad paints and my mom has an interest in the arts and music. I grew up listening to The Phantom of The Opera soundtrack playing through the house and observing my dads paintings. Although art has always been a part of my life, I was never pressured to do it. When I was 12 years old I would doodle the sames of the kids in my class at school and sell them to them for $10 a piece, that is when I unconsciously was starting my art career.
How would you describe your style? What makes your work special?
Many people define it as expressionism, or abstract expressionism, but I tend to call it Onkst Art.
My work combines a plethora of techniques, influences, and methods. My work is characterized by flowing layers, serendipitous splatters, action, movement, and emotion. I often encode words, numbers, and motifs to deepen the composition.
How do you go about developing your work?
My style has been growing, evolving, and developing for over a decade now. I spent many years experimenting, utilizing trial and error, and listening to my intuition, which has led me to amazing places in the work. I develop my work by layering paint and creating visual interest. I let my heart and soul express itself over and over again in the form of lines, shapes, colors, and splatters until the composition is complete.
Who or what influences you?
I am very inspired by day to day interactions, people, and places I travel. I express my experiences through my work. I love viewing artwork as well and some of my favorites include: Willem De Kooning, Cy Twombly, Henri Rousseau, Helen Frankenthaler, Basquiat, John Paul Fauves, Jason Hackenwerth, Hannah Yatta, and many more.
Make us curious. What is planned next?
I intend to participate in many more exhibitions, residencies, and collaborations. I wish to do philanthropy where I can and use my talents to help others. I want to continue to grow and expand my artistic career.
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