Ugonna Hosten
Songs of the unfurling, 2024
Collaged monotype, charcoal, iridescent medium, gouache and acrylic on paper
139.5 x 118 cm
54 7/8 x 46 1/2 in (unframed)
151 x 129.5 x 5.5 cm
59 1/2 x 51 x 2 1/8 in (framed)
54 7/8 x 46 1/2 in (unframed)
151 x 129.5 x 5.5 cm
59 1/2 x 51 x 2 1/8 in (framed)
UHO 022
A recurring motif is water. In previous works, water has served a cleansing function in the rituals depicted. This drawing is the first movement into water being used for its...
A recurring motif is water. In previous works, water has served a cleansing function in the rituals depicted.
This drawing is the first movement into water being used for its transformative and healing powers.
This drawing anticipates the consumption of consecrated waters; the luminous quality of the water (as also in Source) eludes to a transcendent substance known in alchemy as aqua pemanens- penetrating water-water of life- elixir
The tortoise and kite; both symbolise aspects of wisdom in the Igbo mythological canon. The presence of these specific energies (including The Great mother) is to consecrate the waters for an anticipated transformational ritual. Drinking from the fountain of knowledge, the heroine is imagined to acquire the unified powers that characterise the energies present:
The Great Mother-omnipresent
archetypal creator
Kite-sky
wisdom, ability to soar great heights, capacity to view things with a whole perspective in mind
Tortoise-earth
wisdom, adaptability-in its ability to live in diverse habitats.
Tidbits
-The use of the word unfurling in the title, refers to an anticipated opening; another aspect of the heroine’s becoming yet to be unveiled.
-At the base of the fountain is spiral ginger which is often used as a natural healing remedy and spiritual rituals.
-The tortoise appears in many Igbo stories as a Hermes type character. One who is a great communicator, a trickster and always yielding its boundary defying powers.
This drawing is the first movement into water being used for its transformative and healing powers.
This drawing anticipates the consumption of consecrated waters; the luminous quality of the water (as also in Source) eludes to a transcendent substance known in alchemy as aqua pemanens- penetrating water-water of life- elixir
The tortoise and kite; both symbolise aspects of wisdom in the Igbo mythological canon. The presence of these specific energies (including The Great mother) is to consecrate the waters for an anticipated transformational ritual. Drinking from the fountain of knowledge, the heroine is imagined to acquire the unified powers that characterise the energies present:
The Great Mother-omnipresent
archetypal creator
Kite-sky
wisdom, ability to soar great heights, capacity to view things with a whole perspective in mind
Tortoise-earth
wisdom, adaptability-in its ability to live in diverse habitats.
Tidbits
-The use of the word unfurling in the title, refers to an anticipated opening; another aspect of the heroine’s becoming yet to be unveiled.
-At the base of the fountain is spiral ginger which is often used as a natural healing remedy and spiritual rituals.
-The tortoise appears in many Igbo stories as a Hermes type character. One who is a great communicator, a trickster and always yielding its boundary defying powers.