Arsenio Jr Nidoy with the portraits he made of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Doha, Qatar: A screwdriver has become an unlikely instrument behind a series of innovative artwork that is gaining significant attention in Qatar and beyond.
Arsenio Jr Nidoy, better known as “Artsenic” in the Filipino community, has taken this everyday hand tool and transformed it into a medium for creating intricate and stunning portraits on acrylic sheets.
“A lot of netizens tell me it’s the first time they’ve seen art like this. They say I’m the original to use a screwdriver for scribbling,” Artsenic told The Peninsula.
“I also haven’t seen any art like this, nor have I heard of any artists using a screwdriver to create scribble art on acrylic sheets. As far as I know, I may be the first artist in Qatar to specialize in this technique. And the fact that I exclusively use a screwdriver as my medium sets me apart.”
Collage showing Artsenic working on the portrait of Spanish artist Salvador Dali
Artsenic, originally an award-winning street photographer, made a dramatic shift in his artistic journey when the Covid pandemic hit. Moving away from photography, he began experimenting with scribble art on paper. But his constant curiosity and artistic exploration led him to try something new, and now, just three months into his latest form of expression, his work stands out in a saturated world of familiar art mediums.
“I began scribbling on acrylic sheets on August 30, 2024. The inspiration came from my desire to explore unconventional materials and surfaces. I wanted to create something unique, something that wasn’t possible with paper. An artwork that is waterproof, will not fade, and impossible to reproduce and replicate,” he said.
Artsenic’s technique involves using a specific tool: a watchmaker’s screwdriver. This small, precise instrument gives him the control needed to achieve fine details and texture. “I use a watchmaker’s screwdriver to create intricate scribbles by scratching it into the acrylic surface,” he shared with The Peninsula.
Artsenic using a watchmaker’s screwdriver to create intricate scribbles
The result is a fascinating blend of texture, depth, and light that can only be achieved by scratching the surface of acrylic. “To create depth, I layer the scribbles strategically, adjusting the pressure and depth of the engravings.”
Scribbling on acrylic is no easy feat. Unlike paper, where scribbles can be erased or adjusted, acrylic demands careful thought and deliberate action.
“Scribbling on acrylic is significantly more challenging than paper because the surface is non-porous and requires precision. The most difficult aspect is ensuring that each line contributes to the composition without making irreversible mistakes. Every line counts, every line has to be precise,” he explained.
Arsenio Jr Nidoy's artwork of late Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington.
So far, Artsenic’s portraits have included well-known personalities like football stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, iconic Spanish artist Salvador Dali, and late Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington. “I’ve created portraits of figures who inspire me, and as for my next subject, I don’t have a specific plan—I’ll choose whichever inspiration strikes me in the moment,” he said.
Artsenic hopes his work will inspire others to think outside the box. “I want viewers to see that art is not just about the medium—it’s about the message, the emotion, and the connection it creates. I want people to look beyond the material and appreciate the depth in the work.”
As he continues to innovate, Artsenic offers advice to emerging artists: “Don’t be afraid to experiment with unconventional materials. Always push your creative boundaries and develop your unique voice as an artist. Art is a journey, and I’m always learning, refining, and evolving with every piece I create.”
