Data Oruwari, a self-taught visual artist of Nigerian descent, is carving a distinct space in the art world with her visionary compositions that celebrate afro-spiritual identities. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Oruwari’s work invites viewers on a journey of enlightenment and healing, weaving ancient symbolism with contemporary narratives to create a modern sacred art form.
Central to Oruwari’s artistic practice is the belief that divinity resides within everyone. Her work serves as a bridge, reconnecting humanity with its spiritual essence from an African perspective. She draws inspiration from African mythological cosmologies, the visionary art movement, Byzantine iconography, and the principles of natural law. Through her intricate draughtsmanship and the use of 24-karat gold leaf gilding, Oruwari creates vibrant iconographic representations that evoke a sense of awe and introspection. Her drawings, rendered through a spiritual lens, explore themes of divinity, identity, and cosmic interconnectedness. Figures emerge in her works as celestial extensions of the cosmos, their presence enriched with intricate details like the bejeweled hands of a healer or the fragmented mandalas symbolizing wholeness and transformation.
Her compositions brim with meaningful denotations, such as medallions inscribed with the eye of providence, and figures adorned with cowry-shell headdresses or robes embroidered with gold details. Patterns serve as a contextual frame, enhancing the narrative depth of her pieces and connecting viewers with the iconography of healing and spirituality. These elements are conceptual offerings—visual meditations designed to evoke reflection and foster a deeper understanding of the divine within us all.
Oruwari’s art is a celebration of afro-indigenous spiritual traditions, which she reclaims and honors through her practice. Influenced by African mythological cosmologies, Byzantine iconography, the visionary art movement, and natural law, she crafts works that illuminate the divine essence of humanity.
“Our belief systems are an invisible force that shape our identity,” she reflects. “They give us an understanding of who we are and why we are here. My work focuses on exploring afro-indigenous concepts of spirituality in relation to my personal experiences as an African woman born into a post-colonial environment, and that of the African diaspora today.”
Oruwari’s works transcend aesthetics to serve as a bridge, reconnecting humanity with spiritual principles that have been historically demonized or forgotten. By doing so, she not only honors the legacy of her ancestors but also fosters a collective healing process.
For Oruwari, art is a pathway to awakened consciousness and emotional restoration. Through her narrative-driven pieces, she seeks to decolonize African spirituality and challenge the misrepresentation of afro-indigenous belief systems. Her works serve as both a celebration and a reclamation, drawing attention to the vibrancy and relevance of ancestral wisdom.
“I use art to heal deep-seated collective wounds of my history,” she explains, “and to celebrate the vibrancy and relevance of the legacy of those that came before me.”
Her depictions—imbued with symbolic elements like celestial figures, gilded details, and natural motifs—help restore harmony within the subconscious, offering viewers a transformative experience of introspection and enlightenment.
Oruwari’s distinctive style and powerful themes have earned her a place in prominent exhibitions, including the AMREF ArtBall in New York, the Columbus Metropolitan Library in Ohio, and the White Cloud Gallery in Washington, DC. She has also showcased her work in her native Nigeria, at the Panorama Contemporary Art Fair in Lagos and SMO Contemporary Art’s Standing Out exhibition at the Wheatbaker.
Her global exhibitions not only connect audiences with the spiritual essence of African heritage but also serve as a testament to the universality of her themes—divinity, healing, and interconnectedness.
With every piece, Oruwari offers viewers a doorway to enlightenment, encouraging them to reflect on their own spiritual journeys. Her compositions—steeped in narrative and value-based symbolism—serve as a reminder of the divine potential within every individual.
In a world often marked by disconnection and loss, Data Oruwari’s art provides a sanctuary for healing and self-discovery. By blending traditional African spirituality with contemporary techniques, she inspires a renewed sense of balance and harmony. Through her work, Oruwari continues to honor her ancestors, decolonize spiritual narratives, and illuminate the path to collective healing and awakening.
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