Who is ESENJ?
ESENJ is a self-taught artist who pushes the boundaries of art by refusing to conform to conventions and academic rules. His approach is liberated from traditional codes, because for him, art must be an unrestrained expression—a space where he can unveil his vision of the world without limitations.
Why the anonymity?
ESENJ chooses to remain in the shadows so that the focus remains entirely on his art. He wants his works to speak for themselves, without his identity influencing how the public perceives them. His anonymity allows him to express himself freely, without constraints or pressure, while enabling viewers to connect with his work and see themselves within it. Still, ESENJ sometimes attends his exhibitions incognito, curious to discreetly observe the reactions sparked by his creations. The echoes of the emotions and thoughts of his audience feed his creative process.
Moreover, ESENJ is a committed artist. His works reflect our times, bearing witness to social realities and struggles that are close to his heart.
His creative process
ESENJ’s work is deeply inspired by his travels, which serve as a major source of inspiration. Every experience, every culture he encounters, feeds into his paintings. But more than a simple travel journal, his art is a mirror of his emotional responses to the world’s injustices. Whenever he witnesses inequality or suffering, he feels a compelling need to translate this outrage into painting. For him, painting is a release—a way to let go of overwhelming emotions.
As he puts it:
"It eats away at me, grabs me by the gut, and I need to paint. I feel frustrated because I can’t, on my own, change people’s mindsets."Each of his paintings carries a powerful message. ESENJ seeks to provoke reactions, raise awareness, and prompt the public to reflect deeply on the themes he explores through his art.
Major themes explored by ESENJ:
Social and economic inequalities
· The refugee crisis
Tribute to women
Environmental protection
· Human indifference
· Social injustice
· Solitude in modern society
· Animal rights
· Passivity in the face of adversity
His philosophy
To ESENJ, our current world is plagued by chaos, dominated by selfishness, violence, and above all, indifference. He constantly questions: “How can we, as individuals, contribute to changing this reality?” Confronted with the world’s suffering, he voices his indignation:
"When I see what’s happening in the world, I’m outraged. So many injustices, so much hypocrisy—it makes me sick. Turning away doesn’t make the problems disappear."
His philosophy rests on one essential value: mutual support. ESENJ advocates for coexistence, an ideal where differences are not perceived as threats but as treasures that weave a human and cultural tapestry. For him, diversity is a gift that enriches society. He is convinced that sharing, knowledge, and mutual respect are the pillars of a better world.
In his vision of an ideal world, there would be no oppression, no poverty, no war. Borders would vanish, and a spirit of kindness and peace would reign. True justice must rise above divisions of hatred and treat every human being equally.
Through his works, ESENJ invites everyone to question themselves. He wants to push us to take an active role in change and to stop being mere passive observers. We must become actors of change and not leave others behind.
His painting
ESENJ’s paintings are an explosion of color, often contrasting with the seriousness of the themes he addresses. In his work, color is always accompanied by the presence of black—a reminder that life, like his art, always contains both darkness and light. Black, ever-present, embodies the depth of emotions and the complexity of human realities.
ESENJ’s painting stands out for its unconventional character. Refusing to be confined to a specific artistic movement, his art is free and unbound by academic frameworks. His works are marked by recurring silhouettes and faces—often anonymous yet universal figures that embody the many facets of humanity.
Interview with ESENJ
"My goal is to make people question the world and the life that surrounds them. For me, it’s important that we all take our responsibilities and that we don’t remain simple spectators of life.
Each of my paintings has a hidden message and I want people to question themselves, to communicate with me, to share.
I did it on my own; I’m a true autodidact. I don’t like to be confined by a framework. I like to venture off the beaten track.
When I look at what is happening in the world, I am revolted. There is so much injustice in this world and it makes me sick to see the hypocrisy, the selfishness, the violence and especially the indifference. It’s not because we turn our heads that the problems disappear.
It undermines me; it takes me to the gut and I need to paint. I feel frustrated because I can’t help with my little person to change the mentality of people.
Human today have lost their humanity.
Painting, like all art, is a way to express oneself and to give a voice to those who cannot defend themselves.
Human has lost sight of the simple things in life that can bring them happiness. The sharing, the love of their neighbor, the beauty of Nature...
Humankind, driven by selfishness and a thirst for power, has no qualms about destroying everything around it, including the very Earth that makes life possible. It crushes everything in its path to achieve its own ends.
Unfortunately, everything that isn't highly profitable is pushed aside: the sick, the elderly, people with disabilities, environmental protection, mutual aid…
Profitability has become the driving force of today’s society. "You either keep up or you’re left behind."
My dream is that everyone can look at each other and put themselves in their place. I hope people will change. I hope Human will find their humanity again and that we can live together with the common aim that everyone may live happily.
