THE BAOBAB
Brief: Create a visual art piece that depicts your culture.
The problem: “Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the Nigerian writer, speaks about the danger of “a single story”. So, if you see one thing and were taught one thing your whole life, it becomes your reality. You start to believe. You can’t imagine anything else, and that’s the problem that the world has with Africa. Because they only see one.”
Solution: “A person’s identity is made up of their own character combined with their family and social roots. Identity, like culture, is ever-changing.” www.sahistory.org.za. I am Italian and South African. South African citizens all have multiple cultures from their backgrounds and extended family. I want to get people to the understanding that diversity is what makes our country so amazing. Learning about each other, sharing food, stories, celebrations and seeing multiple perspectives is what opens peoples minds, it kills stereotypes and fear of the unknown.
CONCEPT
Our roots are what we are taught and the way we grow up as children among our elders: the music, the food and art, home and neighbourhood are some of our most cherished memories. Trees grow and place their mark on Africa the same as we do. They simultaneously grow various root systems that go in different directions but are all connected to one source which is the trunk. It holds the roots in place and uses them to make itself stronger, they grow larger together, each with different struggles and successes. The branches grow up and outward, overlapping each other and expanding the perspective and height of the tree.
Process Work
I want to use a Baobab tree because is a native tree to Africa and it has amazing branching systems that overlap and create beautiful patterns. A tree takes years to grow to its fullest potential, as long as all its roots and branches are taken care of.
contact me: nugaiadesigns@gmail.com
mockups from : freepik.com
