Background
Aodh Ó Riagáin was born in Dublin in Ireland. Creative from the start, Aodh never settled for a single medium of expression.
Growing up in a post-colonial country brought challenges of identity and belonging, which found its antidote in frequent visits to the Irish country, where decolonisation could be sourced in the landscape, community and the Irish language.
Values & Style
In a digital art world increasingly influenced by AI, Oreganillo. focuses on traditional, deeply human techniques. Using brush, pen, and ink on paper, Aodh creates energetic, living line-work. This stark chiaroscuro evokes a memento mori, emphasizing the mortal human touch. Rooted in decolonial values, Aodh is devoted to post-colonial education, storytelling, and solidarity with colonized peoples, alongside a love for community and nature. Aodh's holistic approach to creativity and life is sustained through yoga, ensuring balance and sustainability in both art and living.
Inspiration
Aodh's inspiration comes from mortality, seeing it as a memento mori that makes life and art deeply meaningful. Acting as a psychopomp, Aodh guides souls to the afterlife, offering pattern and cathartic narratives. Pre-colonial Ireland and its animistic, matriarchal culture also galvanize Aodh, viewing all things as interconnected. This connection is reflected in Irish mythology, where Aodh’s name originates from a child turned into a swan for 900 years, symbolizing the link between the human and natural world. These myths emphasize continual rebirth, offering hope against monotony.