Promise Abodunrin

  The Fìlà is the star piece of a Yoruba gentleman's native outfit dating back several generations. They come in different shapes and forms and have seen many redesigns over the years. Gobi, the most popular fila style and subject of this art piece, can be styled in different ways each with its own significance. Apart from the characteristic style and identity statement it makes, Gobi is popularly used to indicate the marital status of Yoruba men. Before wedding rings became popular, Yoruba men indicated they were single by styling the Gobi to the right, and to the left to indicate they were married, especially at public gatherings. Many still practice this although significantly less than before. Artist: Promise Abodunrin Medium: Graphite and Charcoal on canvas Size: 16x20 inches 2023

His imperial majesty, Ọọ̀ni Adéyẹyè Ògúnwùsì, is the 51st Ọọ̀ni (king) of Ife; the origin land of the Yoruba people. He ascended to the throne of his forefathers in 2015 succeeding the deceased Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the 50th Ooni of Ife. The king bears the title "AROLE ODUDUWA" (Heir of Oduduwa). Oduduwa is believed to be a divine king, the first Ooni of Ile Ife. The Ooni is regarded as the most prestigious king in the Yoruba land. This artwork is a priceless piece of Yoruba history, the references were taken on a personal visit to the king and then hand drawn to perfection. Medium: Pastel on bristol paper 2023  

  The Earth is diversely composed, but I breathe life, Many living things but I’m human, the apex, Many human races but I’m African, 54 African countries but I’m Nigerian, Many Nigerian tribes but I’m Yòrùbá, Many talents given by the creator, but I create Many creatives but none does it like me, I am 1 of 1, I am Super-rare. Son Of The Soil IV: SuperRare is the 4th piece of the Son Of The Soil series, all coined from a similar inspiration. This series preaches a fusion between our individualities, including but not limited to culture, and the rapidly increasing globalization fueled by giant tech strides. Why throw away your culture and personality when it can influence whatever you do and make you stand out. The world's beauty is expressed in its diversity! And yes, that's a chewing stick, the African toothbrush. SOTS IV; SuperRare Artist: Promise Abodunrin Medium: Pastel and charcoal on paper Size: 30 x 24 inches 2023

  I can understand, but it's funny some people thought it was weed. So what then is it?  I'd assume that most Africans can tell it's a chewing stick, a natural African way to clean the mouth before there were toothbrushes, still used by many today for medicinal benefits. It's more about what it represents, however, an item of culture. This piece is a sequel to SON OF THE SOIL II, a similar artwork with the same inspiration; the need to preserve culture as technological breakthroughs accelerate globalization exponentially. The world's beauty is diversity! 2023

  Son Of The Soil II follows an art piece called Son Of The Soil, with similar inspiration. Diversity makes the world beautiful and so culture must be jealously safe guarded by all. While some items of culture and tradition can be improved on, the core values should not be totally lost as these are the things that define people groups. Sadly, modernization and globalization are slowly eradicating important items of several cultures around the world, especially languages. SOTS II is about that fusion, a perfect balance between technologically influenced education and retention of core cultural values. SOTS II comes with the option of the original physical piece for the collector. Medium: Graphite and Charcoal on paper size: 24 X 30 inches 2022

  At some point in the history of  Yorubas, this was an outfit of wealth and splendor worn only by high-society women. It was a statement of elegance and class for a long time until recently. A lot of items are put together to make this outfit including: 1) gèlè (head gear)  2) yẹ̀tí (earrings usually gold)  3) Ìlẹ̀kẹ̀ (beads)  4) bùbá (loose top) 5) Ìró (wrapper) 6) Ọ̀já (fastener, used to hold the bùbá and Ìró in place like a belt) Everything is put together with the finest and most expensive fabrics only affordable for few. This outfit was commonly worn by the Ìyálóde, a high ranking chieftain in the Yoruba society. They are representatives of women in the king's council and are also influential politically and economically. This is a piece of Yoruba history that I wanted to cement with my art, this is a piece of African heritage that should not be forgotten. Thanks for stopping by! Title : Ìyálóde Artist : Promise Abodunrin Medium : Graphite a...

  She's strong and powerful, yet soft and tender. She oozes love and affection to all who cross her path. A wonderful mother raising kings and Queens in preparation for this world of uncertainty. She builds her career and home simultaneously, giving no room for deficiencies. This art piece was inspired by my mother and all other amazing women who strike that complex balance everyday, between building their career or business and taking care of the home. A special breed of women who "put food on the table" and clean it afterwards. It's something that I feel is not appreciated enough. Through all this she maintains her beauty and glows with pride. Oh woman! Pay attention to the little details because there's a lot of them. Artist:  Promise Abodunrin Title: The Strength of Woman Medium:  Graphite and Charcoal on paper Size:  20 by 16 inches