About Oibel1
My name is Samora Bazarrabusa, also known as Oibel1, born and raised in Zurich, Switzerland. I am a visual artist and have been working on my skills off and on since over 20 years.
Read full bioMy name is Samora Bazarrabusa, also known as Oibel1, born and raised in Zurich, Switzerland. I am a visual artist and have been working on my skills off and on since over 20 years.
Read full bio
My Name is Samora Bazarrabusa also known as Oibel1. and I have been making art for over 20 years, coming from a background in graffiti and growing up with parents who were passionate about art. Nearly 15 years ago, I made the decision to pursue a career as an artist, which has led me to becoming a full-time artist for the past two years.
During this time, I have developed a unique and instantly recognizable style – characterized by strong lines, figurative forms, and bright, vibrant colors that create a lasting emotional impact. My art is meant to evoke positivity, encourage self-reflection, and spark both constructive and critical thinking about oneself and the world. I draw inspiration from diverse cultures, nature, society, graffiti, and art in general. Themes such as love, life, consciousness, and the abstraction of existence are at the core of my work.
Exploring Techniques & Global Reach
I am a self-taught artist, having learned everything through self-study and trial and error. Experimenting with different mediums has never scared me, which is why I have experience with a wide range of techniques. In my studio work, I primarily use acrylics applied with brushes on canvas or paper, while for larger outdoor projects or interior murals, spray paint is my go-to for its efficiency and versatility.
My artistic journey has taken me around the world, painting in Paris, Berlin, Hamburg, Kampala, Prague, Geneva, and Belize, while my digital work has been exhibited in venues from Dubai to New York. My work is collected across Europe, the USA, and Africa, while my digital art has found collectors all over the world.
Recent Highlights & Public Art Projects (2024)
This year, I have had the opportunity to work on several major public art projects, including:
- Projection of my artwork on the iconic Grossmünster Church in Zurich
- Key visuals for the Street Parade Zurich, one of the world’s largest music festivals
- A 500 sqm sticker installation in front of Zurich’s biggest mall, Sihlcity
- Digital artwork displayed on a billboard in Times Square, New York
Over the past few years, I have also collaborated with major international brands such as YouTube, Tommy Hilfiger, Google, B&O, and True Fruits Smoothies, expanding my artistic reach into the commercial space while staying true to my vision.
Additionally, I have independently organized my annual solo exhibitions, consistently selling at least 70% of the displayed works. Since 2021, I have also ventured into digital art, creating hundreds of artworks as part of my evolving creative practice.
Art, Community & Creative Process
I love working without a strict plan – I call it the visualization of energy. Most of the time, I start a painting without knowing exactly how it will look, but I always know how I want it to feel. The process is fluid, with new ideas constantly emerging, often leading me to work on multiple pieces at the same time. Many of my finished artworks have little in common with the original idea – except for the emotion they carry.
Outside of my own practice, I also enjoy teaching and mentoring young artists. During school holidays in Zurich, I host workshops for kids, guiding them in developing their own ideas and customizing objects through art.
The Mission Behind My Art
As a fully independent artist without gallery representation, I am always looking for new opportunities to showcase my work, connect with people, and expand my audience. My goal is to spread love, bring joy, and inspire self-reflection – helping people connect with themselves and the world in a more meaningful way.
I know that might sound a little cheesy, but I truly believe that everyone needs more hugs – whether from me or from my art.
#ITSYOURDUTYTOSPREADLOVE
Follow me on the gram

#PaintTheWorld
Shows & Press
May 2019 “Overtime”, Solo Show at Kunstraum Waldhaus, Zürich
Oct 2017 “The Bless & The Stress”, Solo Show at Gallery Box, Zürich
July 2016 SkateboArts, Group Show, Rottweil
June 2016 Millerntorgallery, Group Show, Hamburg
Mai 2016 Burnout, Solo Show at Schoffel, Zurich
May 2015 La Nuit De Bains, Solo Show, Geneva
Sep/Oct 2014 Büro Discount Gallery Shop, Solo Show, Zurich
Dec 2013 Solo Exhibition “Planet Oibel” at the Urban Art Gallery, Berlin
Die Stadt hat ein neues Street-Art-Werk (tagesanzeiger.ch)
Mit Farbeimern durch Uganda (tagesanzeiger.ch)
Graffiti-Künstler «Oibel1.» malt das Zürcher Sihlcity bunt an (2omin.ch)
Aus Träumen wird Kunst: Zürcher betreibt Lichtshow am Grossmünster
29’000 Zuschauer pro Spiel, eine geile Plattform (20min.ch)
LiechtTräum: Die Stadt Zürich wird durch Lichtinstallationen erleuchtet (20min.ch)
Von Greif und anderen voegeln (Tagesanzeiger.ch)
Painter Oibel Sam Spread love (Ours-mag.com)