Alaiberu (Fearless) Print
A collaboration between Decision Sacred Art Gallery (Nigeria) and House of Afi (Aotearoa).
Painter, sculptor and Adire Textile Artist Oluwatobi Adedayo Olumide has paired up with Ghanaian visual artist Janina Nana Yaa to create this new artwork ‘Alaiberu’. Translating in Yorùbá to ‘fearless’
What do we fear?
How can we activate our inner fearlessness?
In order tor transmute fear we believe in ourselves and our capabilities. We must be vulnerable, open hearted and willing to take risks. We must not be discouraged by our past hiccups and so called failures and take a leap of faith anyway!
Two Akan Adinkra symbols included in the artwork. The first one being ‘Aya’ a symbol of a fern deriving from ‘A ya’ meaning ‘It hurts’ in Asante Twi. An encouragement that growth requires resilience and endurance but as we continue to allow ourselves to be warmed under the rays of Nyame / Waa - the Supreme Creator the burdens we carried on our shoulders are made lighter.
The second Adinkra titled ‘Dwennimen’ the Ram’s Horns. It is 4 spirals strongly connected through the centre giving a birds eye view of two ram’s butting heads. This is a symbol of strength that may or may not need to be displayed through conflict or stubbornness. A reminder that humility is deeply connected to strength and that the ‘higher’ we go in connecting with Divine Source the lower we must go as well. As they say, as above so below.
50% of funds made will go to Decision Sacred Art Gallery and support the continuation and preservation of Yoruba and West African tradition and culture through sacred art.
Decision Sacred Art Gallery founded and run by Yorùbá textile artist and painter Oluwatobi Adedayo Olumide based in Ile Ife, Osun State in Nigeria. Oluwatobi's art explores the stories of African and Black identity and how the power of who we are within our traditions holds the keys to our sustenance. Various motifs are displayed within these artworks highlighting the value of symbology within African culture and the thread that interlinks and weaves our principles together.
To check out more sacred art by Oluwatobi Adedayo Olumide head to Decisionsacredartgallery.com
Instagram : @decision_sacredart_gallery
Janina Nana Yaa Asiedu (they/them) is a Queer Ghanaian artist, Ritualist and Ancestral practitioner. Born in Aotearoa NZ and founder of House of Afi x Nyame Dua, they offer visual art, herbal skin-care, spiritual adornments and divination that guide the collective through the waters of Ancestral healing & intimacy.
Janina’s artwork embraces the use of vibrant tones to call the unseen to be seen - honouring African Divinities, Adinkra symbols and mystical forces of Nature. Their heart is most fulfilled when uplifting LGBTQIA+, African, Black and Brown community. Deeply inspired by Indigenous pattern line work and naturally informed by their upbringing in Tāmaki Makaurau their art reflects their ancestral migration journey as many and ongoing connecting to whenua and Tangata Whenua Māori as a settler in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
For commission drawings / prints feel free to email [email protected]