In our first of features to honor the incredible art made by the African community, is by the unparalleled Modupeola Fadugba. A few years ago I came across resplendent Nigerian orator, Chimamanda Ngozi who’s piece on TED “The Danger of A Single Story” really pierced through my ears as I came to know of Modupeola’s work. Ngozi’s speech outlines that we rob people of dignity when we aren’t educated on the stories and truths of a people, place and its culture. She expresses that no one or no place ever has a single story. Fadugba was born 1985 in Lomé, Togo with a masters in chemical engineering, education and economics. Her art explores theories of social justice, game theory and cultural identity to name a few. She has expressed in her personal artist statement that everyone has a swim story, that without access or teachers the black protagonist is shown to sink or fail. To turn this false idealism of tragedy on its head, Fadugba rejuvenates and purifies the visual of swimmers in water into a pillar of hope and expansive triumph. What I am inspired by is not only has Fadugba visually created the most refreshingly serene and glowing mosaic of human brilliance synergized like floating clouds of water as inter-dimensional joy, but that her words and love of people, stories and the imminent capacities of man despite any hardship step into the foreground. Somehow, before I knew her inspiring story, I knew the beauty of her spirit. Her vision has reinvented the already awe inspiring beauty of human life in a world of weightless movement. These paintings are a peaceful breathing message that all can rise up and grow when love and compassion are the ultimate guiding force.
