I give you "Dreamer" (2018/2019), done for countless hours spread across several months. I've grown and learnt a lot while doing this piece, even in my personal life. Take your time to read about it and try to sync the words with the art.
A little story about the art
I had randomly taken the reference photo (a selfie) during my government mandated service year at Katsina state, a long way away from home. It wasn't until much later after I had returned home from serving my country that I stumbled on the picture in my gallery and saw it in a whole different light. I saw this strong gesture of Hope in my face surrounded by a lot of relatable items. I decided to make art out of it as best as I could.
It was quite the challenging process, especially the hat which must have taken over 100 hours to make it look hyper-realistic. There were several breaks, some for months at a stretch due to other commissioned drawings, some laziness (I have to admit), art droughts and some travelling around too. The breakthrough came immediately I managed to finish the hat. Choosing to jump to the face before the hat was finished really helped boost my morale and once this stage was passed the rest went smoothly mostly. Words can't describe the joy I felt when this piece was completed, I literally started running and jumping around my house 😄. DREAMER served as a turning point in my career, the first of many of such to come!
Art is to be percieved differently by different people so feel free to deduce what you may from this one. Below however is my own perception about this piece of mine, the inspiration that came to my mind as I set my eyes on the reference picture. It may be more understood by those who have seen struggling and poverty first hand, those who have had to fight for all they accomplished.
DREAMER, that resilient youth poised to succeed against all odds, in the harshest conditions.
The harshest conditions...
A background of rust and decay (aluminum sheets and wood), a poverty stricken run of early years. Feeding is a privilege, education a luxury, anything goes for clothes, shelter unsheltering. Low self esteem their favorite breakfast, brains never taught inquisitiveness. Wealth is for a select few they learn daily, the rich are all cheating thieves. The Dreamer turns their back to all.
A thick canopy of religious and cultural misconceptions, braced by political incompetence (raffia hat). It casts a pitch black shadow of difficulty, the perfect recipe for poverty. The view is limited and distorted, irrelevant self inflicted chains that make it near impossible to challenge the status quo, to reason objectively. The Dreamer raises his gaze above it all.
A failed educational system (The shirt), that has many find their true paths halfway through the wrong one, or even after. One that results in them switching fields like herdsmen, that focuses on slaving rather than creating. The Dreamer unbuttons and breaks free.
Dreamer; that resilient youth poised to succeed against all odds, in the harshest conditions, determined to make good of the little things that no one can take...
THINGS NO ONE CAN TAKE;
Resilience, focus, dedication (The gaze). The attributes that set apart the successful, the innovators, the history makers. The Thomas Edisons, the Henry Fords, The Promise Abodunrins.
Time (The watch). The most important asset, one that we have full control over, and yes we have lots of it. We will make good of it and inscribe our names in history, never to be forgotten.
ARE YOU A DREAMER?
Title: Dreamer
Artist: Promise Abodunrin
Medium: Graphite and charcoal on paper
Duration: countless hours, spread across 2 years.
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