Goodbye my love. This is the end.
And yet, it is only the beginning.
No hard feelings.

No Hard Feelings

Philheal

Ojuju is the introductory piece in the Ojuju Saga series. We are welcomed into the grasp of the Ojuju, evil masquerades whose name strikes fear into the heart of men. They are a focal point in this series as they symbolize the various obstacles and challenges we always come across in life.

"Be on guard ,for the Ojuju comes at night"

This piece is also serves as a celebratory piece for my acceptance into SuperRare and will serve as the foundation for more to come as the series progress. 

OJUJU

This piece portrays Eve as a priestess, exuding an aura of mystical power amidst the lush embrace of an ancient forest. Bathed in an ethereal glow, she holds a luminous fruit in her hand, its brilliance symbolizing the forbidden knowledge that changed the course of humanity. Around her arm, a sinuous serpent coils, representative of both temptation and the cycle of life.

EVE #7/10

ENTRY 1

The skull of the Were-leopard was acquired during an expedition to the forest of Umiduke for rare artifacts. The poor soul was caught mid-transformation when they are vulnerable. 

I have never seen something so fascinating. Maybe I can finally get an audience with the King of the sky.

Captains Log

Something new awaits us beyond the horizon.

New Horizon

Escape is the first piece in the Ojuju Saga series.

This piece portrays a person who appears to be in the throes of a disturbing and otherworldly experience. The figure is depicted, in a dark and ominous setting, with eyes in the background staring at him. 

The most striking element of the artwork is the depiction of the Ojuju (demons) that seem to be emerging from the person's head. They appear to be clawing out of the person's skull, desperate to escape into the world.

At the center of the composition, we see a small pink pill resting on their tongue. The pill serves as a symbol of hope or escape. Perhaps the figure is taking the pill as a way to banish the Ojuju from their mind. I leave that open to interpretation.

This piece is the beginning of a powerful and evocative exploration of the human psyche and the struggle against inner demons.

Escape

Letting Go is a powerful illustration that captures the essence of a deeply personal struggle. The artwork portrays a man at the epicenter of a spiritual battle, symbolizing the turmoil experienced when one confronts inner demons that hold them captive.

The central focus lies on the man's ethereal form, depicted as his soul gently emanating from his physical body. Its luminous glow serves as a stark contrast to the ominous presence surrounding him. The OJUJU, hold the man's head and arms, symbolizing the overwhelming grasp of negative thoughts, fears, or personal demons that torment him.

Despite the man's apparent physical confinement, there is a remarkable sense of liberation and resilience conveyed through the departing soul. Its departure signifies a profound transformation, as the man begins to embrace the journey of releasing his burdens and finding inner peace.

The composition and color palette contribute to the emotional intensity of the artwork. Dark, foreboding hues dominate the depiction of the demons, emphasizing their malevolent nature and the suffocating weight they impose. In contrast, the soul radiates vibrant hues, representing hope, freedom, and the possibility of transcendence.

"Letting Go" serves as a poignant reminder of the human capacity to overcome adversity and confront personal struggles. It invites viewers to reflect on their own battles, encouraging them to find the courage to release their inner demons and embark on a path of self-discovery and healing.

Letting Go

This piece takes us back eight years, high up in the Obolo hills on the edge of the eastern coastline. We meet  Agu as a DIBIA in training. Before receiving his host tattoos of allegiance and his staff of power, Agu was a young acolyte training to become the representative of the god of wisdom and justice. 

Here we see Agu in a handstand, his face in deep concentration as he works on his balance, focus, and patience. Keeping guard is his trusted ally and friend, the Agba masquerade.

This piece takes inspiration from the training arcs that are a staple in many Japanese mangas.

Training Day

Adrift is the Second Edition in the Dibia and the Masquerade series.

This piece was created with the aim of conveying the feeling of rebirth and rejuvenation.  There are three main elements present in this piece; a young sea serpent symbolizing revival, a man floating calmly atop the water and a tribal mask (masquerade) carved into the floor, symbolizing protection. 

These elements are surrounded by the calming waters that  serves as a catalyst for healing and growth

Adrift

DIBIA AND THE MASQUERADE EDITIONS

SOUL FIRE is the third piece in the Ojuju Saga series. 

The Ojuju Saga is a series that touches on the psychological struggles people experience. These are explored using elements that appear heavily in my work, The Ojuju.

SOUL FIRE captures a moment of intense struggle between the fire of the soul and the personification of fear. The Ojuju. In the center of the image, we see a figure standing defiantly, their back straight and their eyes fixed on the looming specter before them. This person represents all of us in our moments of greatest challenge, facing our deepest fears and refusing to be consumed by them.

The Ojuju is a large and menacing being reaching out to ensnare the figure. But the fire of the soul burns bright within them, radiating out in bright, fiery tendrils that twist and twirl around the figure, pushing back against the encroaching darkness.

The contrast between the two opposing forces is striking - on one hand, we have the cold, enveloping darkness of fear, and on the other, the warm, life-giving energy of the soul. The colors used in the illustration reflect this duality, with deep blues and purples representing fear, and warm oranges and yellows representing the fire of the soul.

The overall effect of this piece is one of intense drama and energy. It conveys the idea that even when we are at our most vulnerable, we have an inner strength that can help us overcome our fears.

Soul Fire

THE OJUJU SAGA

The conclusion of the story of the consumed continues in a Yonkama manga (one-page manga), The figure snaps out of their trance and tries to escape, but it is too late. The Ojuju shuts its mouth, trapping them in the deep void of fear. Forever.

The Consumed. Pg 2

THE OJUJU SAGA EDITIONS

The city that never sleeps. New Eko is a melting pot of different tribes and cultures all struggling in a bid to make it. 

Inspired by two cities that are quite similar yet far apart, Lagos and New York.

New Eko

DIBIA AND THE MASQUERADE

"I have the power"

I say this to myself whenever I begin to doubt myself, my work, my abilities, or my resolve,  but power is tricky,  show little, and you are deemed weak, too much you end up intoxicated by it, you become a tyrant.  The powerful are those who can control the powers they wield. 

I have the power, the power to dream,  to create, to achieve my goals, to express myself.

I have the power,
The power to be me.

I HAVE THE POWER

Close your eyes.
Clear your mind and go to your happy place. What do you see?. 
Do you see a cloudy blue sky?
Do you see a field of grass and beautiful flowers dancing in the wind? 
Do you see the sun, big and round radiating in all its glory? 
This is a place where you find happiness, tranquility, and peace of mind.

SUNNY DAY

Foundation

Protectors of Eden

WARRIOR

MOTHER

THE MATRIARCH

Waves.  

The dance of the sea. A motion that enables man to glide seamlessly across the ocean.

This vibrant illustration captures the harmonious connection between man and nature in a thrilling display of aquatic camaraderie.

Wave Flow

SuperRare

The Ojuju Saga Continues with three 1/1s
0.5eth-1eth
First collector gets a physical print 

Philheal

Philheal

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