Beyond the Seen: African Spiritual Narratives in the Digital Age
Publication information:
Abstract
Artist Talk: Curated by Seju Alero Mike of OSENGWA, this showcase explores the dynamic intersection of art, spirituality, and technology through multidisciplinary works by contemporary African artists. Featuring projects like 21 OI by Ramon Shitta, Agba by Ifedolapo Arolawun, and Waters of Rebirth by Noah Okwudini, the exhibition reclaims African spiritual practices using cutting-edge tools like artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR). This hybrid experience bridges ancient and modern narratives, fostering dialogue about spirituality's evolution in the digital age. Audiences will engage with the unseen forces shaping cultural identity through interactive, immersive, and decolonial storytelling.
Presenter Biography
Seju Alero Mike is the Founder and Artistic Director of OSENGWA, a creative enterprise supporting contemporary African art and culture. As a curator, she explores the intersection of storytelling, art, and technology to amplify African spiritual narratives, fostering innovative cultural dialogue through immersive, decolonial experiences that connect past, present, and future.
Ramon Shitta is a multidisciplinary artist blending storytelling, Yoruba spirituality, and modern technology. His work spans drawing, photography, and AI-generated visuals, exploring speculative histories and the evolution of African spiritual technologies. Shitta’s 21 OI invites reflection on ancient wisdom systems, imagining their influence on modern technological paradigms like quantum computing.
Ifedolapo Arolawun, also known as IFEOFDESIGN, is a non-binary multidisciplinary artist and cultural innovator. With expertise in Yoruba spirituality and a focus on digital tools, they created Agba, an AI-powered digital masquerade bridging ancestral knowledge and wellness. Their work merges tradition and innovation, making African esoteric wisdom accessible to global audiences.
Noah Okwudini is a Lagos-based experimental artist working across photography, sound, and digital media. His project Waters of Rebirth examines African cultural resilience amid climate challenges, integrating augmented reality and soundscapes. Okwudini’s art amplifies collective memory, blending technology and tradition to foster dialogues on heritage preservation and environmental adaptation.