SCULPTURE
Shadowkeepers and Roothealers: The Original OGs is a sculptural series exploring Afrikan spirituality from continental and diasporic perspectives. Honoring Orisha gods—ancestral beings I see as the true OGs, or “original gangsters,” in the spirit of how Black communities celebrate respect and legacy—this work weaves ancestral memory, lineage, and spirit into a living altar. Previously exhibited as a public altar space, it invited open reverence and healing accessible to all, grounding Afrofuturism in the enduring rhythms of Blackness across time and place.
Biyaha, 2015 — “Deep Water.” Bust honoring Olokun, Orisha of ocean depths; poem reflects surrender, ancestral sacrifice, and resilience during the Middle Passage.
Zina, 2014 — “Secret Spirit.” Bust honoring Egungun, bridging past and present; hair made from my first locs embodies memory, transformation, and ancestral legacy through an Afrofuturist lens.
Ausa Uhsa, 2014 — “It’s Raining.” Bust channels Oya, Orisha of storms, change, and rebirth. The name is a phonetic rendering I adopted from oral sources. Poem on her face honors transformation, resilience, and finding softness within the storm.
Mama Ubuntu, 2014 — “humanity towards others.” Honors Oshun, celebrating generosity, grace, and interconnectedness. Adorned with ancestral photos, gold accents, and Ankara fabric, she embodies lineage, wisdom, and the living legacy of Afrikan women.
Ancestor photos lower body adornment.
Back view with quote.
Olokun (female pathway), 2019 My depiction of the Orisha Olokun, guardian of deep, dark waters, embodies her power, mystery, and ancestral presence.
Mookies mouth: sculpted full lips.
Side view of her majesty.
Orunmila, 2019 My depiction of the Orisha Orunmila, Babalou and keeper of knowledge, wisdom, and divination.
Back view — long loc adorned with clocks
Profile view — bulbhawk hairstyle.
Obatala (female path), 2019 My depiction of the Orisha Obatala, creator of the sky and all of humanity. This piece honors her role as a divine architect and embodies grace, wisdom, and the ancestral energy she imparts.
Front view — her majesty, with me adjusting her crown.
Head-on view — full majesty of Obatala.
Egungun, 2019 Created for my ancestors to come through, this Egungun honors lineage, memory, and ancestral guidance. It serves as a vessel for the presence of those who came before, embodying their protection, wisdom, and enduring spirit.
Rear view — layered fabrics (cause I always got his back).
Detail — close-up of sheepswool beard with cowrie and mud fixings.