The Multidisciplinary Practice of Dr Claire Ogah
WHERE ART, CULTURE AND STORYTELLING BECOME WEARABLE.
Overlay Couture transforms illustration, heritage and lived experience into art, design, wearable collections and cultural experiences that connect people through story.
Sisterhood
Digital Illustration, 2024
In the Studio
Studio Archive, 2025
Mother
Illustration
Disrupt the Corruption
Illustrated Poster Series, 2023
The Studio
Overlay CoutureThe Studio
ART ROOTED IN CULTURE.
DESIGNED FOR CONNECTION.
Overlay Couture is a multidisciplinary art and design studio founded by Dr Claire Ogah, a visual artist, illustrator, researcher and storyteller whose work celebrates African heritage, identity and the beauty of human connection.
We create original artwork that moves beyond the canvas, transforming illustrations into thoughtfully crafted pieces that can be lived with, worn and experienced. From fine art prints and bespoke jewellery to textiles, fashion accessories, home decor and commissioned works, every creation begins with a story.
At the heart of Overlay Couture is a belief that art should do more than decorate a space. It should spark conversation, preserve culture, inspire confidence and connect people across communities. Our collections are deeply influenced by African aesthetics, lived experiences and contemporary social narratives, resulting in timeless pieces that honour tradition while embracing modern design.
Current Collections
OBJECTS OF STORY.
PIECES OF MEMORY.
four doors into the studio.
01Wearable Art
Illustrations transformed into jewellery, scarves, textiles and statement pieces that carry culture into everyday life.
02Art Prints
Collectible works celebrating identity, heritage, resilience and belonging.
03Home Collection
Thoughtfully designed objects and decor pieces inspired by African storytelling traditions and contemporary design.
04Commissioned Works
Bespoke artwork and creative collaborations for organisations, institutions and private collectors.
heard.
featured.
Featured Work
SISTERHOOD
Digital Illustration, 2024
Four women in sisterhood, wrapped in pattern and memory. A meditation on the bonds that hold women across generations.
click the work to view it in the gallery.
Dr Claire Ogah
Founder, Creative DirectorThe Artist
DR CLAIRE OGAH
Artist. Storyteller. Academic. Cultural Changemaker.
Dr Claire Ogah is a multidisciplinary visual artist, illustrator, cultural storyteller, academic and speaker whose work sits at the intersection of art, identity, culture and social impact.
As founder and Creative Director of Overlay Couture, she transforms original illustrations into wearable art, bespoke jewellery, textiles and contemporary design pieces that celebrate African heritage while inviting meaningful conversations about belonging, resilience and human connection. Her artistic practice blends traditional African aesthetics with contemporary visual storytelling, creating work that is both visually striking and socially relevant.
Alongside her creative practice, Dr Claire is an academic and researcher whose work explores the lived experiences of marginalised communities. This commitment to justice, representation and inclusion informs every aspect of her creative work. Whether creating an artwork, delivering a keynote, performing spoken word or facilitating a community workshop, she believes creativity has the power to educate, heal and inspire change.
Practice
ART. STORY.
COMMUNITY. IMPACT.
Four disciplines, one practice. Everything in the studio moves between making, teaching and bringing people together.
the studio works in four rooms.- 01
ART
Original artworks, illustration, design and visual storytelling.
- 02
DESIGN
Wearable art, jewellery, textiles and bespoke creative products.
- 03
EDUCATION
Workshops, artist talks, cultural learning and creative facilitation.
- 04
COMMUNITY
Projects that use creativity to strengthen wellbeing, inclusion and belonging.
Performance
Spoken word and storytellingPerformance
WHERE STORIES FIND THEIR VOICE.
Alongside her visual practice, Dr Claire is a spoken word artist and storyteller whose performances explore identity, belonging, culture, leadership and the shared human experience. Through poetry and performance, she creates spaces for reflection, dialogue and connection.
- 01
Live Performance
Festival stages, cultural evenings and curated showcases.
- 02
Recordings
Audio and video of poetry readings for broadcast and events.
- 03
Poetry Excerpts
Written pieces shared in the journal and at exhibitions.
Workshops and Speaking
CREATIVE EXPERIENCES THAT EDUCATE,
CONNECT AND INSPIRE.
- 01
Speaking Engagements
Keynotes, panels and conferences exploring creativity, culture, equity, leadership and belonging.
- 02
Artist Talks
Conversations on artistic practice, African storytelling traditions and socially engaged creativity.
- 03
Creative Workshops
Visual arts, illustration, jewellery making, storytelling and creativity for wellbeing.
- 04
Community Programmes
Arts-based projects designed to strengthen cultural identity, confidence and community connection.
Media and Recognition
SEEN. HEARD. FEATURED.
Dr Claire’s work has been exhibited, commissioned and featured through collaborations with cultural organisations, educational institutions, charities, community partners and creative networks across the United Kingdom.
Making Histories
Great North Museum
Press Feature
BusinessDay
Speaker One-Sheet
StudioThe Journal
ESSAYS, REFLECTIONS AND STORIES.
the journal, from the studio desk.Creativity as Cultural Memory
Museums preserve objects, but creativity preserves experience. A photograph can show you what something looked like, but a work of art can show you how it…
Read the essayFrom Illustration to Wearable Art
A sketch is private. It is a conversation between the hand and the page, full of hesitations and sudden certainties. The question that drives my work…
Read the essayWhy Stories Matter
Storytelling is the oldest technology we have. Before written language, before galleries, before nations, there was the story: told by fire, carried in song, stitched into…
Read the essayFinal Statement
ART SHOULD PRESERVE WHAT HISTORY FORGETS.
Through every artwork, collection, workshop, performance and collaboration, Overlay Couture creates spaces where culture is remembered, stories are honoured and creativity becomes a bridge between people and communities.
Every piece begins with a story.
Every story deserves to be seen.