JOSEPH OBANÍ-ÌBÍ (OBANUBI)

This project underscores the flawed physical state and emotional imbalance that exists in the society. It expresses the internal state of the contemporary society, with gaps that represent the perceived abnormalities that exist in them. The response to this is that myriads of individuals are trapped in self-delusion, seeking various ways to alter reality. The works in this project are metaphoric representations of altered reality, as a response to the dysfunctionality that exists in the larger society. It attempts to accentuate the ways in which escapes (spaces) are created in the mind, through which pseudo satisfaction or gratification is derived, as a consequence of the surrounding dysfunction. The visual representations of these created spaces are unreal and they exist in a manner of augmented reality, as the interaction and navigation between these new mind-found spaces are almost as true as reality. Escapism is central to human nature, especially as there are inevitable struggles that permeate everyday life. The desire to be alleviated from these existential tensions often compels human conjure up - in their minds - an ideal apace, that is devoid of these struggles. In doing so, numerous fragments of ordinary life are used, but the realities of these fragments are altered to suit the desire route of mental escape.

Project Question and Statements

-Is life such a bitter thing that we must find some way of escape?

-The need to get away from reality.

-A continuum of distress and dysfunction leads to an escape.