awodiya toluwani’s scarred art explores the dark legacy of colonialism
Adorned with patterned marks that resemble the same scars that are historically linked to several of Africa’s Indigenous cultures, Awodiya Toluwani’s paintings spark a conversation about colonialism’s lasting impact on human history. The subjects in Awodiya’s art harken back to the style found during the Dutch Golden Age – a period of art history that was made possible due to Dutch involvement in the Atlantic Slave Trade – but scattered with marks to physically display the scars (figuratively and literally) that were forced upon enslaved Africans.
Awodiya explains that scarification is an “inspiration in telling our stories as Africans,” with each symbol standing “for something bigger than us.” To see even more of Awodiya’s powerful pieces, pop over to his Instagram or gallery page here, if you'd like.
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