Paul Ayihawu
Beflowered III
2022

About the Item

"Be-Flowered" is deeply rooted in the African cultural heritage of a female child. In African culture, it is revered that a young woman should maintain her sexual purity until marriage, which brings immense joy and honor to her family when her husband finds her a virgin on their wedding night. The title "Be-Flowered" is derived from the concept of "Deflower," which signifies taking away a lady's innocence or dispossessing her of her virginity. However, in this painting series, my premise is centered on empowering women and celebrating their pride and inherent power. The first two pieces of the series feature ladies adorned in traditional South African bids worn during the Virgin festival. The gentle pink clouds symbolize feminine power and poise, evoking the strength and grace embodied by women. A community that empowers women tends to uphold higher moral standards than one that does not. My perspective veers away from the idea of gender equality, recognizing its limitations, and instead, I believe in gender equity, providing each gender with the opportunities they need to fulfill their potential. This series aims to leave my audience with a profound appreciation for empowerment and a celebration of cultural heritage. I hope viewers will reflect on the significance of embracing one's roots while acknowledging the strength and beauty that women contribute to society. Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Paul Ayihawu is an artist based in Lagos, in 2022, He was awarded a 2022 Visiting Fellowship at Noldor Artist Residency, a subsidiary of the Institute Museum of Ghana. Working in different mediums from mixed media to oil, acrylic, and charcoal. His works talk more about the emergence of black people from the perspective that is void of colonialism mindset and its degrading era. “I chose to represent black flocks from the point of view that has not experienced colonial reign, ss in, how Africa and Africans would have evolved and grown if they had not been colonized,” he said. Recently, he began to dive deep into the spirituality of his being in his practice expressly on the premise of his Faith as A Christian. His works are I'm major and private collections such as the African First Collection, and Sir David Adjaye Collection among others.

Creator:

Paul Ayihawu (1995, Nigerian)

Creation Year:

2022

Dimensions:

Height: 59 in (149.86 cm)Width: 59 in (149.86 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)

Medium:

Canvas,Charcoal,Acrylic

Movement & Style:

Realist

Period:

21st Century