We Return To Sand explores mortality and unity with the earth. The exhibition draws upon sacred texts and proverbs to examine the concept of returning to dust.
The works convey a harmonious blending of subjects with their natural surroundings. To achieve a seamless mix with the sand, precise composition, lighting and post-processing were required.
"Visually, it's about creating angles and viewpoints that blend the subject with its surrounds, such as employing low and high angles to connect them. Emotionally, it's about capturing the subject in a way that conveys a sense of unity or harmony with the surroundings, whether through body language or expressions that mirror the scene's peacefulness," says Toby D Photographer.
“The inspiration came from the holy book - which tells us that we were created from sand and when the time comes, we will go back to sand. It shows how we are one with earth.”
“We only live once. All on this earth is vanity. Just as we were born, we will undoubtedly die... let us make the most of life and be kind to one another.”
Curator's Statement (juujuumama)
"By intertwining the imagery of life with the natural world, the exhibition aims to reveal the shared journey of humanity, emphasizing the importance of harmony with the earth. This exploration of mortality and storytelling showcases the resilience of West African art in embracing and celebrating the cycle of life while uniting diverse cultural narratives under one powerful concept: "Ìtàn," the timeless stories we tell."
"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.