"IDAPO" Afro-Asian Fusion

Ohso Fabone

Welcome to my solo art showcase "IDAPO"! "IDAPO" (EE-DAH-PO) is from the Yoruba language spoken in West Africa including Nigeria and translates to "FUSION". In this new collection I present 25 small, original, mixed media works. Afro-Asian Fusion is an experimental series blending elements from African American and Japanese regions that together, seem to demand vibrancy, drama and intricacy. These creations demonstrate an appreciation for diversity, a desire to create a sense of solidarity and add joy to living spaces. Artwork is for sale unless otherwise noted (Serious Inquiry Only). This online showcase is made available to all who are unable to attend the Live Opening Reception or schedule a private viewing in person. Ohso is a Graphic Designer, Educator, and self-taught, International mixed media Artist born & raised in New Orleans, LA. She primarily paints imaginative 3-D composition portraits of Women of Color and draws inspiration from several areas – her hometown of New Orleans, photography, experimental mixed media, painting, her love for botanical etymology, the study & understanding of different cultures as well as her Nigerian-Scandinavian genealogy. "Although my works are imaginative, they are still representational as a means to embody hair, identity and spirituality which are often intertwined in the black community. Even in early African civilizations as well as some communities today, black hairstyles are used for empowerment, indicate social status, identify your tribe, family background, make political statements, and acts as a conduit for spiritual interaction to God." - Ohso! Ohso is on the Autism spectrum with Asperger's Syndrome. She also suffers from Dystonia & Osteoarthritis; however, she remains active & productive as an Internationally Collected Artist. COMMENTARY: I myself have a strong interest in Asian culture, which includes Asian cuisine, clothing, martial arts, anime, and movies! As a result of Japan's rich cultural legacy and openness to many influences, black culture there is nothing new. A little known Japanese subculture known as "Black Lifestyle" or "B-Style" first surfaced in the 1990s, and it is characterized by young Japanese adults and teens imitating black culture's beauty, fashion, and way of life. This frequently entails perming, weaving their hair into Afrocentric styles including dreadlocks, braids, twists, and afros, as well as donning hip-hop apparel and jewelry. Some even go so far as to darken their complexion at tanning salons, rejecting the Japanese beauty norm of pale skin. It appears that Japanese people respect and appreciate other countries' sense of style. "B-Style" is just one of several fashion subcultures that exist; others include Chicanos, Lolita Fashion (Victorian Elegance), Cosplay Anime, and Rockabillies. Even though the goal of "B-Style" is to NOT look Japanese, some social justice warriors will condemn this and see it as disrespectful, cultural appropriation, or mocking; nevertheless, a closer examination reveals how Japanese fashion has evolved, showcasing a blend of traditional and contemporary foreign influences while emphasizing individuality and inventiveness. As a black woman of Nigerian and Scandinavian descent, is it inappropriate or disrespectful for me to wear a custom-made Japanese kimono produced in America from African Ankara wax print textiles, which were first introduced by the Dutch, who drew inspiration from Indonesian batik designs? No, appropriation would have removed the garment's historical significance and obscured its origins. How, therefore, do we walk this fine line between appreciation & appropriation? The key is education! In addition to embracing the beauty that results from fusing various styles, through my "IDAPO" series I aim to ensure the utmost respect for cultural diversity by imparting basic knowledge of historical, social, and religious significance of elements I've interweaved into my pieces. "IDAPO" Afro-Asian Fusion is an experimental series blending elements from African American and Japanese regions that, together, seem to demand vibrancy, drama and intricacy. "IDAPO" (EE-DAH-PO) is from the Yoruba language spoken in West Africa, including Nigeria and translates to "FUSION". In addition, I've taken an Artistic License to create imaginative titles that combine Nigerian /Yoruba and Japanese languages to further reflect the essence of these multifaceted pieces. ENJOY! You can find more Art of Ohso works at www.ArtofOhso.com IG: @ArtofOhso FB: @OhsoArt OPENING RECEPTION: February 3, 2024. 5p-8p EXHIBITION RUN: Feb 3-Feb 29, 2024 Live Showings By Appointment ONLY! ArtofOhso.com / 210.544.1356 TO PURCHASE WORKS IN THIS SERIES: Follow this link https://www.artpal.com/OhsoArt#i13 Music By James Pierce of IllRoux Music © 2024