Water No Get Enemy, Ye

In this series, Water No Get Enemy, Ye, I examine the interplay of personal experience and memories, historical contexts, and the process of learning about myself and how I coexist with the world. 

I draw inspiration from Nigerian musical influences such as Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s Afrobeat anthem “𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗡𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗺𝘆,” which emphasizes resilience and unity with the line “Water e no get enemy,” and Burna Boy’s introspective track “Ye,” with the line "𝗬𝗲, 𝗬𝗲, 𝗬𝗲, 𝗬𝗲, 𝗬𝗲, 𝗬𝗲, 𝗬𝗲,”. 

Through a fusion of artistic expression and cultural symbolism, I sought to capture the essence of the journey towards self-discovery and one’s place within the broader societal landscape. 

While I was making this series, I was thinking a lot about the significance of materiality, particularly the traditional Adire (tie-dye) fabric, as a conduit for cultural memory.  Incorporating Adire into the paintings symbolizes a tether to heritage and tradition, anchoring the artwork in the rich tapestry of Nigerian culture. 

The utilization of lines to draw faces within the compositions reflects the fluidity of migration, echoing the movement and transitions experienced both personally and within broader societal contexts. 

This series, ‘Water No Get Enemy, Ye,’’ invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of migration, identity, memory, and the ever-evolving relationship between self and society.
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