Ayogu Kingsley unveils his first digital art series created in collaboration with juujuumama.
This collection marks Ayogu Kingsley's inaugural foray into the digital art realm, exclusively available on Base for Ìtàn World. As our second collaboration together, this series signifies a monumental moment for Ìtàn World, partnering once again with the highly esteemed Ayogu Kingsley, renowned for his significant sales in major traditional art galleries worldwide.
Inspired by his original painting "Ikenga," the 7even Sins series delves into the intricate interplay between human desires, moral dilemmas, and the cultural symbols that shape our perception of sin. This series seamlessly merges Kingsley's expressive brushwork with juujuumama's AI techniques, showcasing the innovative potential of combining traditional artistry with modern technology.
The artworks are a vibrant explosion of colors and forms, masterfully blending abstract and figurative elements. The central figure, reminiscent of a mythological deity, commands attention with its bold, expressive strokes. The swirling chaos of limbs and faces surrounding the figure generates a dynamic sense of movement, symbolizing the eternal struggle between order and chaos, good and evil, absurdity and logic. The contrasting colors—fiery reds and oranges against deep blues and greens—heighten the intensity and drama of each piece, drawing the viewer into a visceral and emotive experience.
“Digital art and traditional art forms can coexist peacefully, they’re just different ways for artists to express themselves.”
“Artists are like fabric dipped into the contemporary world - artists need to experience the world and the changes that are happening to the world. As creatives, we have to be open minded.”
“Sometimes you just let the work flow, and see what that gets you. Sometimes you let the paintings make themselves.”
Statement from JuuJuuMama (Curator and Collaborator)
“I am profoundly honored to collaborate artistically with Ayogu Kingsley, an artist whose work I have long admired and previously had the privilege to curate. Each piece in this collection represents a harmonious fusion of Ayogu's rich, cultural artistry with the cutting-edge techniques of digital creation, making it a significant addition to the Ìtàn World portfolio."
"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.