Skip to main content

Waste Recycled - How I Painted The African Map on 20 Pairs of Discarded Denim Pants by Miabo Enyadike

Modern Map of Africa Concept art idea





Africa is my continent one that  I love and cherish, the eclectic mix of cultures and people is beyond imagination. 

Every country in Africa is unique to its people, culture and origins that's why the continent, is always a draw for people to visit and explore.

 My Africa is a place where  resilience is inborn not acquired, you inherit that!.  Family is everything  and you support each, other no matter what.



 I love my Africa the dusty streets, the simplicity of the people,  the ceremonies that last for days celebrating cultural events that mark our different heritage and make our identity unique as Africans.

The communal feast and the beautiful array of colors that is reflect in our culture. Africa is rugged, no matter where you see it, from Cape to Cairo that is what makes it interesting and fascinating, to want to experience this ruggedness and just want to embrace it and polish it, into something beautiful. 

The entire continent, is filled with huge potential, to make an impact and difference,I love that!.

 Having been exploited for centuries, it has left the continent weary and burdened, but the shine and attraction has never been defeated.



There is always something fantastic, coming out of Africa and that's it's people!. Our unrelenting resilience to be recognized, in the world stage is a huge factor in this rugged continent.

 My Art on Africa expresses how I see the continents individual countries, tribes and ancient civilizations, lumped together, by colonialism.

Whereby people who had no clue or idea about who we are or why we are, except  their poor unfortunate understanding of geography, decided to sew us up together and name us Africa. 



We are a people of different races, culture, habits, religion, educational aspirations and  origins.

From time to time these differences, rears their ugly heads and transcends into tribal and ethnic wars that ravage societies, in the continent almost to extinction.

With that being said we still rely on folklore and tradition to maintain, our different cultures and ways of life, as practiced by our forefathers.



 The mixed Media Art I created tells this story just looking at it. It is made out of Jeans pants, stitched together with cotton ropes, and painted with acrylic paint, in very big brush strokes that appear rough,to give that street look of ruggedness. 



Then the ropes are used again to create texture on the painted jeans. The jeans, signifies the defiance and resilience, of the African people despite all the misgiving the continent has had to bear for centuries. 


The textured ropes indicate the mishaps the continent, continues to grapple with, which seems endless and stands in the face of this fascinating  continent.

 These issues include wars, famine, corruption, diseases, that somehow overwhelms, the true beauty and potential of the continent.  






The vibrant mishmash of colors are an indication of our colorful heritage, that is reflected in our diverse cultures, food, textiles and lifestyles all through the continent.

We all love wearing our denim pants, which we wear everyday. It takes all the hard knocks, and even when discarded, can still prove its  usefulness. 

                    

That is why worn Jeans pants, are my inspiration and  the main material for this project. I used
 (20 pairs) of Jeans to be exact. 

To me, its hard wearing nature lends itself well, to this project, of my narrative of how, I see my Africa. 


The use of these every day materials for this Art project, was because they are  fascinating, they draw curiosity and ignite creativity that extends imaginations, when viewed. 

As Art, the aim is to bring the audience into this narrative and that was achieved, when I exhibited this work in my recent solo exhibition in Lagos, Nigeria. 

This is how people see Africa from the outside, rough, dangerous, yet fascinating and beautiful.

 My Africa may be rugged but it is resilient and indeed beautiful, like a work of Art filled with abstract theories and interpretations that are based on how you see it.....Enjoy.


   
check out my Art Portfolio

www.saatchiart.com/artmiabo

             💖💖💖
         Miabo Enyadike

Popular posts from this blog

African Artist - Meet Dotun Popoola: 2024 AMIAF Award-Winning Hybrid Sculptor Shaping the Future of Art

Meet Dotun Popoola: 2024 AMIAF Award-Winning Hybrid Sculptor Shaping the Future of Art This year's Artmiabo international Art Festival AMIAF will be recognizing Mr Dotun Popoola an Inspiring multimedia artist and sculptor. The theme for this year's Art Festival is the "Sculptor's Odyssey" This new generation hybrid young talent has opened our eyes to a new style and thought process on how we see sculpture pieces. He is dedicated to creating inspirational sculptural pieces that center around environmental themes. Internationally recognized for his ability to craft sculptures with a keen focus on environmental sustainability, he is renowned for his unique approach in utilizing found and discarded objects in his personal sculptor's odyssey. Dotun acknowledges through his sculpture pieces that environmental art is the way forward for sculptors whilst subtly through his art, educating the public on the urgent need to participate in a clean environment. Artist Bio...

Art Travel - Top 15 Artist-Friendly Cities: A Creative Haven for Your Next Chapter by Artmiabo

  Top 15 Artist-Friendly Cities: A Creative Haven for Your Next Chapter                                         Seaside Photo Print Discover the world's most inspiring cities for artists. From vibrant art scenes to affordable living, find your perfect creative haven in this guide to the top 15 artist-friendly destinations. Are you an artist yearning for a fresh start, a new muse, or simply a change of scenery? The right city can significantly impact your artistic journey. Whether you seek inspiration, affordability, or a thriving art community, this guide unveils the top 15 artist-friendly destinations worldwide.                                         Seaside Iphone Cover 1. Berlin, Germany: Known for its edgy art scene, affordable living, and vibrant culture, Berlin is a magnet for ...

Abstract Art Series by Artmiabo

                                                  Abstract Art Series, Chaos and Confusion  It has been, one horrible weekend in Paris, one of my favorite cities and one of the worlds best travel destinations. This art series is inspired by nature and humanity around world. I have used colors to depict it 'the way I see it'. All of these abstract painting series, is made with Ink on smooth paper boards, to give these events a sense of movement, that means, it is occurring right now in our lives and we have no control over these events. They include,our heightened emotional state right now, natural disasters, forest fires, diseases, discord in our civil societies etc, and more.  I have just used a few of these colorful abstract paintings I made, to tell my own narrative....   My prayers and condolences, to all affected and the entire Paris...

Art Travel - Exploring the Beauty of Cape Verde: My Travel Photo Journey by Miabo Enyadike

  Exploring the Beauty of Cape Verde: My Travel Photo Journey Some years back, I travelled to Cape Verde and I had a marvelous time and whilst there I did take a lot of photos in Cape Verde, but with a crazy schedule like mine, years went by without sharing them now I can and I'm doing just that sharing!.... Cape Verde, stunning archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, is a true gem waiting to be discovered. My recent trip to this captivating destination left me with unforgettable memories and a collection of travel photos that I’m thrilled to share with you. From pristine beaches to vibrant local culture, Cape Verde offers a diverse range of experiences that are a feast for the eyes and soul.                                                    One of the first things that struck me about Cape Verde was its breathtaking landscapes. The islands boas...

Art Guide - 22 Ways We Artists Can Reach and Engage Our Audience by Miabo Enyadike

  Art Marketing Strategies: How to Reach and Engage Your Audience Metal Print $73                  Buy at FineArt America.com Learn about branding, online presence, and promotional tactics to elevate your art career." Marketing your art effectively is crucial for gaining visibility, attracting collectors, and advancing your artistic career. Whether you're a painter, sculptor, or digital artist, implementing strategic marketing tactics can help you reach a broader audience and build a loyal following. Here’s how to craft and execute effective art marketing strategies to elevate your art career.                      Print Duvet $97                              Buy at FineArt America.com   1. Define Your Brand and Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Your brand identity is the cornerstone of your marketing eff...

Transforming a Vintage Mannequin into a Unique Lamp Shade for Your Home Decor by Miabo Enyadike

  Transforming a Vintage Mannequin into a Unique Lamp Shade for Your Home Decor My home is my sanctuary, art gallery and art studio/family house so I live and breath Art.  I want to live in constant inspiration and ideas, I love to wake up in that kind of space. Natural light plays a huge part in my home, as light helps to project my Art giving my living room a gallery feel. But come evening, I just want to relax with my family, cook dinner and enjoy the evening in calmness. And that brings me to my Vintage Mannequin Stand I decided to turn into a night lamp stand.  I Love different light designs, for me, it completes an interior. Beautiful light fittings, say a lot about the design aesthetics of a room and creates, a certain type of drama and ambiance in that room.   When I bought, a metal mannequin for my studio, a lamp stand, was the furthest thing in my mind.  I used it solely to hang knitted bags, beads and clothes. Early this year...