'MY GELÉ WOMAN' by Tobi Josephine

'MY GELÉ WOMAN' by Tobi Josephine

Acrylic paint, Sewing thread and Molding Paste - 90cm x 90cm 

A woman embracing her Yoruba, Nigerian heritage. Her face is obscured to draw attention to the detail in the traditional attire, which has been worn for centuries. The gelé (head tie) and over-the-shoulder shawl are completely hand-stitched into the canvas, echoing the sewing thread used by seamstresses to create the garments. The attire, known as Aṣo-ebí, is traditionally worn for celebrations and weddings.