Olokún - 54" by 29"

Beneath the ocean's surface, in a realm untouched by time, resides Olokun, the androgynous deity of the Yoruba religion, chained at the sea's abyssal depths. This act of restraint by Obbatalá, the creator, prevented Olokun's devastating flood intended to erase humanity. Embodying both the tempest and tranquility of the sea, Olokun is a figure of dual nature: fearsome in his anger, serene in her calm, a guardian of the ocean's riches and health.

In one hand, Olokun clasps a snake, symbolizing wisdom and protection, while the other holds a mask, reflecting the mysteries beneath the surface. A halo of life, depicted through offerings of animals sacred to Olokun, illuminates the deity's figure, signifying respect and the life-death cycle.

Adorned with traditional Elekes, beads of deep blue, white, red, yellow, and green encircle Olokun’s neck, representing the deity’s spiritual attributes. The painting is alive with symbols: lost ships, anchors, sea creatures, and colors sacred to Olokun—blue, white, and black—each element a testament to the deity's dominion over the sea's depth and mysteries.

"Maferefún Olokun" echoes as a greeting of reverence, capturing the essence of balance, compassion, and the interconnected dance of creation and destruction.