Promise Abodunrin

  The Great Fela Anikulapo-Kuti once said, "I have death in my pouch, I can't die!". While Fela is no longer with us, his legacy is very much alive, passed on to his third generation in his son Femi Kuti and grandson Omorinmade Kuti. The music, activism and fire keep burning to this day. Artist: Promise Abodunrin Medium : Oil and acrylic on canvas Size : 40 x 60 inches Year : 2024

È̩yò̩ is a masquerade native to Lagos state, Nigeria. They typically come out dancing energetically in their large white robes during the È̩yò̩ festival, which is traditionally held to escort the soul of a departed traditional ruler and usher in a new one As an addition to the Afro-Futurism collection, with this piece I continue to paint interesting contrasts, creating a fusion between culture and technology, with the aim of inspiring culture preservation in a time of hyper globalization. Artist: Promise Abodunrin Media: Oil and acrylic on canvas Size: 45 x 60 inches 2024  

  Omele is a high pitch, three faced Yoruba drum that supports the gangan (talking drum). The three faces are tuned to the three Yoruba sounds (Do re mi) and used to convey messages, especially wise sayings. Omele is a high energy instrument that brings a different vibe to any music arrangement. Some Yoruba indigenes can decode messages played on the Omele. This piece is the first of my new art direction " Afro-Futurism ", building on the Son of the Soil series which creates a fusion between technological advancement and cultural richness, emphasizing on culture preservation as the world becomes more globalized via technology. Medium: Pastel and charcoal on paper Size: 24 x 30 inches 2024

  I had the privilege to paint one of the greatest men who ever lived, an epitome of resilience. The name justifies itself! Commissioned by Teroya Eason for her son an NBA star, Tari Eason Medium: Pastel on paper 24 x 30 inches 2024

All forms of life are intertwined in a beautiful symphony, from the greens of the earth to the beasts of the wild, from the crawling ants to the monsters of the ocean. We, standing tall at the apex, have been given the great task of overseeing and conservation. We can't afford to fail. Medium: Acrylic on canvas 2022  

  The Kakaki is a dramatically long musical instrument, they get up to 4 meters long! It is an African wind instrument mostly attributed to the Hausa tribe in Nigeria but found in a few other countries. The Kakaki is usually reserved for special occasions where it is played exclusively to kings and sultans. There are not many expert players. My muse for this piece is not just any Kakaki player, he plays at the palace of the Ooni of Ife, the most prestigious Yoruba king. This usually happens whenever the king makes an entrance. Medium: Graphite and charcoal on paper 2023