Embracing Tradition: Àsìkò Delve into Yoruba Culture and Mythology
Discover the artistic journey of Nigerian creator Àsìkò, as he delves deep into the rich tapestry of Yoruba traditions and mythology through his captivating works.
Self-taught photographer and visual artist Ade Okelarin, also known professionally as "Àsìkò," aims to appreciate cultural heritage and use it to envision a brighter future. Drawing inspiration from traditional Yoruba culture, which is from his home country of Nigeria, has played a significant role in his creative process. In his recent series "Guardians" and "Of Myth and Legend," he delves into the symbolism of Yoruba deities, also known as "Òrìshàs."
In Yoruba history, the Òrìshàs were considered sacred beings with divine powers. The belief in them has transcended West Africa and has been passed down by slaves and their descendants in the Caribbean and South America. Despite the lack of mainstream education on indigenous beliefs in Nigeria during the 1980s and 1990s, artist Okelarin's journey has been focused on unraveling previous knowledge.
For Okelarin, his work as an artist is centered around exploration and understanding the teachings that were not part of his school education. He aims to create a space for himself to connect with his heritage and leave behind a lasting legacy through his art.
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His portraits and images of Òrìshàs are a blend of traditional photography and modern technology. Okelarin uses artificial intelligence (AI), digital editing techniques, and collaging to create these unique artworks. He believes that through these creations, he can show the interconnectedness of various global mythologies, emphasizing how we are all connected through our shared stories.
During his research for these projects, Okelarin discovered interesting similarities between Yoruba and Western mythologies. For example, he found parallels between the Yoruba deity Sango and the Norse god Thor, both being deities associated with thunder and lightning. Similarly, the Òrìshà Olokun, who symbolizes the sea in Yoruba mythology, bears resemblance to the Greek god Poseidon.
In this work, Okelarin reimagines Olokun, the Yoruba goddess of the oceans, seas and wealth.
In this work, Okelarin reimagines Olokun, the Yoruba goddess of the oceans, seas and wealth.
Àsìkò
He believes in the importance of understanding the past in order to move forward. By examining the roots of African society, he aims to create a future that is influenced by cultural values and aesthetics, rather than Western ideals.
Okelarin moved to the UK in 1995 and through his research on his own culture, he shifted his perspective from a Western viewpoint to one that appreciates a unique outlook. This exploration also helped him gain a deeper understanding of his heritage.
According to Okelarin, in today's globalized world, it is crucial to hold on to our sense of identity to build stronger societal foundations. He believes that progress does not come from simply adopting Western ideas, but rather from embracing a mix of our roots and the opportunities the world presents. Failure to do so could result in losing what makes us unique. Okelarin suggests that using modern technology and techniques to create and share images is a powerful way to demonstrate the importance of our stories.
Okelarin, who has always loved art and photography since his childhood in Nigeria, where he was exposed to his father's collection of African art, initially pursued a career in chemistry and worked in the pharmaceutical industry as a data architect. He credits this career choice to his Nigerian parents' concern about him becoming a struggling artist. However, a change in his mindset led him to prioritize photography and make it his full-time focus in 2015.
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Okelarin, an artist, sees raising awareness about socio-political issues that impact his community and society as another important role he plays. Drawing from his journey, culture, and experiences as a Yoruba man living in the UK, his work delves into topics like female genital mutilation, masculinity, mysticism, identity, and race.
In his artistic projects, including the 2020 series "She is Adorned," Okelarin incorporates mythological imagery and the concept of layering. Subjects are adorned with layers of African beads and jewelry, creating a visually striking effect. By using digital rendering techniques, he blends photographs with elements of his cultural heritage like fabric and textures. This fusion of traditional photography with AI technology has sparked new creative possibilities for him.
"She is Embraced by the Sun."
"She is Embraced by the Sun."
Àsìkò
He mentions that some of the new possibilities involve painting and sculptural work. One notable project in 2022 was his creation of a globe artwork for the World Re-imagined project. This project is focused on British art history education and explores the transatlantic slave trade. Over 100 globes, including his creation, were placed across the UK.
His work has been displayed in the UK, Nigeria, and the US. Recently, he introduced his first collection of NFTs through the Bridge gallery, a gallery specializing in fine art NFT photography.
Okelarin's art delves into the past while constantly evolving. He remains open to new experiences and growth, embracing experimentation along the way.
"As I have gotten older, I've discovered that the culture I belong to is truly beautiful and meaningful," he explained. "Being part of the diaspora has made me realize that my cultural heritage is a significant aspect of my identity and plays a crucial role in shaping who I am. It is a source of strength."
Editor's P/S:
's work as a self-taught photographer and visual artist is a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of cultural heritage. By drawing inspiration from traditional Yoruba culture, he not only celebrates his roots but also envisions a future where cultural values shape our collective identity. Okelarin's exploration of Yoruba deities and their parallels in other mythologies highlights the interconnectedness of human stories and the importance of embracing our unique perspectives.
Okelarin's journey as an artist is a reminder of the transformative power of embracing one's heritage. His shift from Western ideals to a deep appreciation of his Yoruba culture has not only enriched his personal life but also inspired his thought-provoking artistic creations. Through his work, Okelarin challenges the notion that progress solely lies in adopting Western ideas, advocating instead for a harmonious blend of our roots and the opportunities presented by the modern world. His use of modern technology to showcase the significance of cultural stories further emphasizes the relevance of our heritage in today's globalized society.
