This series is intended to have its limited edition pieces in mixed media but due to inadequate funding, the prints of these works are available on request.
This is a comeback from 10 years of not drawing.
The Òrìsà series is inspired by the deities of Yoruba land, Western Nigeria. My grandfather happened to be an “Awo”, a diviner of Ifa during his time on earth. Although colonialism made him profess Catholic faith, he still practiced his African Traditional Religion as a traditional healer (holistic healing).
I, being completely of Christian belief, never really connected with him. Christianity in Africa portrays African Traditional Religion in all it’s forms as demonic. I recently got to understand that is is not so.
The Òrìsà series is my way of reconnecting to my grandfather and his values. In simpler terms, it is a spiritual awakening for me.
My drawings are purely fictional expressionist portraits as the real deities are not particularly associated with these colors and adornments. They are reimagined versions based on my perception.
Being a makeup artist, I transformed the drawings as real life images, visit @jogis_artistry and @j0rdanna_ on Instagram, for more.