Desola Lasisi, primarily known for her work in fashion, shifts her focus from clothing to the intricate realm of jewelry. Inspired by the elegance and craftsmanship of African adornments, Lasisi’s collection celebrates the beauty and significance of these pieces. The metallic tones of gold, silver, and bronze dominate the imagery, symbolizing opulence, heritage, and status within African cultures.
Lasisi employs generative AI to create initial compositions, refining them with Adobe Lightroom to enhance textures, colors, and the overall vibrancy. The close-up shots highlight the meticulous craftsmanship involved in creating these adornments, drawing attention to the fine details that often go unnoticed. Lasisi's academic background in Fine Art and International Contemporary Art and Design influences her approach, blending traditional African forms with contemporary trends.
The contrast between the dark skin of the subjects and the bright, shiny jewelry creates a striking visual impact, emphasizing the elegance and strength of African women. The collection not only celebrates the beauty of the wearers but also their identity and cultural heritage. Traditional patterns and symbols in the jewelry pieces speak to the rich cultural heritage of Africa, adding depth and layers of meaning to each photograph.
“I hope viewers can appreciate African craftsmanship and the intricacies behind forging these pieces. African jewelry usually has great significance to the wearer and the community at large.”
“My collection Adorned is a way to honor African heritage while sparking conversations about diversity and inclusion in the fashion and art world.”
“My works are deeply rooted in celebrating African culture and the diversity of Black women, which is essential for representation and diversity in fashion and art.”
Curator's Statement (JUUJUUMAMA)
"Adorned is a celebration of African womanhood, capturing the essence of beauty, strength, and tradition. It is a tribute to the legacy of African artisans and the timeless elegance of their creations. Through this collection, Lasisi invites us to connect with the rich cultural heritage of Africa and to appreciate the unique beauty and significance of its adornments."
"Itan" translates to "story" or "history" in Yoruba. Yoruba people are one of the largest and most culturally significant ethnic groups in West Africa. Yoruba culture is known for its vibrant and expressive arts, including sculpture, textiles, music, dance, and storytelling. Yoruba art has a strong emphasis on symbolism and spirituality and has influenced the broader African art world. Itan Foundation World isn’t just about displaying art, but also about telling the stories and histories of West African artists, their cultures and their creative journeys. Each artwork is selected for its ability to evoke a sense of storytelling and exploration.