California-based artist, Olutade Abidoye has traditional playing cards re-imagined to bring the Benin Empire back to life, as the inspiration source for his “Lost Wax” playing cards.
The 54 card pack has kings, queens and courtiers from 15th-19th century Nigeria illustrated on the cards’ front, with which Olutade aims to bring Nigeria’s rich royal history, culture and past in sculpture to the forefront – starting with the fact that Lost Wax is actually the name of a difficult sculpting process that was popular during the Benin era, using metal and clay. #Interesting.
The artist says;
“If Nigeria’s prosperous past becomes common sense through these cards, then perhaps the notion of a brighter future won’t be so far-fetched.”
We’ll see, but for now peep the cards in ‘action,’ below;
Video & image source: Africandigitalart.com
