Artwork
African Batman
CRUSOE IBRAHEEM
Sitting by a window 20 floors above ground in the middle of Manhattan, my creation was complete. I paid homage to the prince of Gotham, the hero that Gotham needs.
Snow days force us to slow down. Like most people, I found myself absorbing and basking in the mesmerizing formation of snowflakes on what became the heaviest snow day of Winter 2022. I began to pay attention to the 6-fold symmetry of each flake of snow. It was magical and I instantly wanted to create something unique. I thought long and hard about what I wanted to create. There was a mask sitting next to me, but it was plain. I started with a big oval but that was too simple compared to the intricacy of snowflakes. So, I changed the oval to an eye symbolizing our ability to feel God even though we can't see him. Yet, this mask is visible. This wasn't a religious piece, so I settled for two eyes instead of three. The left side of the forehead (second eye) has circles inside, symbolizing greatness and the role of a leader in the community, city, and world- they are the eyes of the community. A closer look at the lines shows how each element connects to the other. The left side of the mask shows a flourishing city with stars. Below that is the symbol of justice held by people and with the eyes behind guarding it and rooting for equality among people. Beside it is the Batman logo with the symbols of love underneath.
CRUSOE IBRAHEEM
Lines, like a woman’s body, are simple but complex. Each line can quickly evolve into the most intricate and powerful story telling tool. This particular piece shows different lines, each one connecting to another; each line finding its way to accentuate the curves of a woman. At first glance, one can quickly experience the ease and sensual qualities of the human body represented by a beautiful curvy lady. But, that’s not all! The short series of diagonal lines show the flow of restlessness and anxiety. On the other hand, the long thick lines show how strong, powerful and beautiful women are, regardless of the size. Women are bold and it’s amazing how most are able to hide their weaknesses while showing their brave faces and curves. As if that’s not enough, the brave face houses the eyes, the keeper of secrets and teller of mysteries. The pair, both at different angles are able to see the physical beauty and the intangible beauty comprising of intelligence, bravery, power. Oh, that’s not all. They see the supportiveness of a woman, the gatekeeper to solutions. The lines travel together to reveal the qualities that make up a woman. Who can understand it all?
YEYE OSUN
(River goddess)
Crusoe Ibraheem
Wonder Lady
The Osun-Osogbo Grove is several centuries old. Historically, an ancestral occurrence led to the celebration of this festival. Once upon a time, a group were led by a great hunter called Olutimehin settled on the bank of the Osun river to save themselves where Yeye Osun the river goddess appeared from the water in front of Olutimehin and requested him to lead people to a special place (the present-day Osogbo town). The goddess promised to protect the group and bring them prosperity in return for an annual sacrifice to her. The group accepted the proposition, and today the annual sacrifice to the Osun River Goddess is still celebrated as the Osun-Osogbo Festival. The festival is a two weeks celebration which is done in August for the people of Osogbo land and the worshiper all over the world. In the front view, the heads in circle detailed the group of people led by the great hunter Olutimehin. The flow of lines around the heads with love and eyes depicts the river bank and the promised YEYE Osun (the goddess) made to protect and care for them. The left hand symbolizes nurturing. The hen legs signify the goddess's role as a nurturing and protective figure, much like ideal parent for her worshiper. Also, the combs (beauty and cleanliness) represent the traditional cleansing of the city for the preparation of the festival called "IWOPOPO". Lastly "the five circles/tufts" (hair) This symbolize the hairstyle of joy. It is the traditional hairstyle of the priestesses especially during the festival. The three-branches tree in the center symbolize the lush forest within the Osun Sacred Grove. The heads on the upper right represent devoted worshipers, while the hands below them symbolize individuals seeking assistance from the Goddess (YEYE OSUN). In the lower left corner, you can observe a depiction of a face (a drummer), and the Bata drum is one of the drums played during the festival. The restoration of the grove by artists has given the grove a new importance: it has become a sacred place for the whole of Yorubaland and a symbol of identity for the wider Yoruba Diaspora. AYODEJI TIAMIYU (CRUSOE ART)2023.
OMOGE ASIKO (The Modern African lady)
Crusoe Ibraheem
This piece is a very beautiful African lady, which represents two periods of time. The African elements like the cowries represent the African culture and its value as a form of money. A typical civilized African lady, values herself, knows her worth, respects herself and other people. She is friendly and carries a smile on her face. She is full of modern life. She enhances her beauty by taking care of herself. This includes well manicured nails as seen on her lower right cheek. As for the small drum, it represents her love for life and enjoyment. Omoge Asiko, the modern lady, is a boss that has found an equilibrium between the old and new. She enjoys life and is hard working.