Exquisite Print

The artist has been fascinated by tribal communities and how deeply embedded associations of certain animals with certain characteristics are. The natural world’s interconnectedness is shown through the harmony between people and animals. Many tribes believe in animals having spirits that enter the human world. This piece attempts to show the exquisiteness and respect of the animal world which has instilled a respect for all life. The main character’s top half of the face is a tiger. The symbolism of a tiger in tribes stands for military prowess, strength and royalty. As much as tigers are known for their ferociousness, their beauty and grace are just as majestic. They are also often seen as a symbol of protection and courage. The bottom half of the character’s face is a tribal woman warrior reflecting some strong matriarchal groups in the African tribal culture. These women are not just caretakers of the household and children but hunt, protect and fight with ferocity and courage to survive brutal conditions in such tribal environments. To the left of the piece is Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, manifesting great consideration to the natural beauty of floral arrangements. These have been given specific coded meanings based on their colours, presence of thorns, height, types of flowers and leaves, where some are considered lucky, while others, not, based on the occasion. The use of positive and negative space in the drawing is key to bring balance, harmony and rhythm to these aesthetics. The sun burst, while completing the face, denote the energy radiating from the exquisiteness of the character.