Atavist Artwork
Expressions in Form and Spirit
Harmony of the Ancestors
This vibrant and symbolic painting is a visual dialogue between past, present, and future, interweaving African cosmology, nature, and spiritual iconography. At the center of the composition, a bold symmetrical motif radiates energy, echoing the interconnectedness of land, ancestry, and the divine.
The rising sun on the left casts warm, grounding hues, representing illumination, renewal, and ancestral guidance. Meanwhile, the crescent moon and glowing stars balance the composition, symbolizing the cyclical nature of existence—the wisdom of night complementing the clarity of day.
A majestic antelope figure, reminiscent of the Chi Wara headdresses of the Bamana people of Mali, emerges on the right. This iconic representation honors agricultural knowledge, perseverance, and the essential harmony between human beings and the earth. The presence of the Baobab tree and traditional architecture anchors the scene in a landscape deeply rooted in history, storytelling, and resilience.
At the heart of the painting, the silhouette of a Sankofa bird—head turned backward, feet moving forward—urges us to reclaim the past while forging ahead with intention. The intricate designs, rich cultural patterns, and vibrant colors speak to a collective memory, urging viewers to engage with the sacred continuum of heritage, creation, and self-discovery.
Mothers of the River
Keepers of Memory
This powerful painting is a celebration of African womanhood, ancestral wisdom, and the living spirit of tradition. The figures in the composition seem to exist in multiple realms—some smiling and engaged in the present, others emerging from the past, their presence etched in history and ritual.
At the center, a radiant woman adorned in intricate gold and beadwork beams with warmth and vitality. Her expression conveys joy, resilience, and connection, representing the continuity of cultural knowledge. To her side, a woman in white, with a calm and knowing gaze, evokes the sacred role of women in spiritual traditions, particularly within water-based initiations and rites of passage.
The figure with white-painted eyes and an ornate headdress suggests an ancestral presence—a representation of deified spirits, matriarchal guardians, or the embodiment of wisdom passed through generations. Beside her, a woman wrapped in earthy tones wears a towering headpiece, symbolizing status, dignity, and the weight of history carried forward.
In the foreground, an alligator—an ancient symbol of power, adaptability, and the unseen forces of nature—emerges as a protector. In many African and Diasporic traditions, crocodiles and alligators serve as guardians of rivers, thresholds between worlds, and enforcers of justice. Their presence suggests a connection to water spirits, transformation, and ancestral pathways.
The background, rich with lush green foliage, cacao pods, and geometric patterns, grounds the scene in the rhythms of nature, commerce, and cultural exchange—reminding us that history is alive in the land, the people, and the stories we tell.
Celestial Harmony:
The Union of Light and Legacy
This radiant painting weaves together themes of ancestral wisdom, cosmic balance, and the interconnectedness of spirit and royalty. At its heart, four distinct yet intertwined figures emerge, each embodying a different element of identity, power, and transformation.
At the forefront, a regal man and woman exude confidence and grounded strength, their crowns adorned with symbols of leadership, heritage, and divine connection. The Adinkra symbol in the center represents Eban, a symbol of safety, security, and protection—a reminder of the fortresses we build through community, love, and shared vision.
Behind them, two ethereal faces blend seamlessly into one another—one blue and celestial, the other golden and adorned. These figures appear to bridge worlds, representing the spiritual and material planes, the seen and the unseen. Their features mirror the duality of existence, where intuition, ancestry, and destiny intertwine.
Above them, a magnificent solar and lunar display bursts into the cosmos, signifying the eternal dance of sun and moon, masculine and feminine, logic and intuition. The celestial bodies encircle the figures like a protective orbit, affirming that we are never alone—our ancestors, our past, and our future are always present.
At the bottom, the Swahili phrase "Kweli iwe Katika upendo na upendo Katika kweli" translates to "Truth is in love, and love is in truth." This affirmation underscores the painting’s central message: that when love and truth align, we build unshakable foundations.
