Inspired by Michelangelo’s genius, the symbolic June 13 painting session took place at the iconic Piazza del Duomo in Florence, a site renowned for housing Michelangelo’s works. The choice of this location was strategic, as the Cathedral stands as an architectural marvel and tribute to Renaissance artistic and engineering prowess. Michelangelo’s ethos of capturing the divine in human form resonates in the intricate sculptures and grand designs that define the piazza, creating a powerful ambience that inspires awe and reverence
THE global celebration of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka’s 90th birthday continued in Italy on Thursday, June 13, 2024, as Africa I.D.E.N.T.I.T.Y (AI) presented “Wole Soyinka Reimagined through the Eyes of Michelangelo” in a captivating painting session, marking another milestone in the ambitious Europe Roadshows.
On June 13 (30-Day Countdown to WS90), master artist Tola Wewe and Princess Marinay, a Vision of The Child champion and Poet, collaborated to create a masterful tribute to Soyinka, Black and Africa’s first Nobel laureate in literature.
The AI Roadshow is part of the grand exhibition, NINE Seasons of KONGI (Wole Soyinka), curated and managed by the Vision of the Child, VoTC, and is featuring as the main exhibition content of the Wole Soyinka at 90 celebration – a cross country, cross-continental project holding mostly in July (Soyinka’s birth month) coordinated by the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange, WSICE. In its 15th edition, the WSICE 2024/WS90 is designed to honour the exemplary character and illustrious career of Wole Soyinka as a global cultural icon and humanist as he becomes a nonagenarian (July 13).
Inspired by Michelangelo’s genius, the symbolic June 13 painting session took place at the iconic Piazza del Duomo in Florence, a site renowned for housing Michelangelo’s works. The choice of this location was strategic, as the Cathedral stands as an architectural marvel and tribute to Renaissance artistic and engineering prowess. Michelangelo’s ethos of capturing the divine in human form resonates in the intricate sculptures and grand designs that define the piazza, creating a powerful ambience that inspires awe and reverence. This harmonious blend of sculpture, architecture, and artistic heritage makes the piazza a vital cultural heart of Florence, attracting visitors eager to experience the legacy of the Renaissance and Michelangelo’s enduring impact on the art world.
The master artist Tola Wewe stated that the painting reimagines Wole Soyinka from Michelangelo’s perspective, akin to his famed “The Creation of Adam” fresco in the Sistine Chapel. Infused with the concept of black and white, the artwork symbolises the duality of Soyinka as a writer — an artist of black ink on white pages — while highlighting the contrast and connection between Soyinka, a black Nigerian, and Michelangelo, a white Italian.
“The portrayal of Wole Soyinka is deeply rooted in his African identity, with Yoruba motifs representing his rich cultural heritage. The inclusion of images and heads reminiscent of African sculptures further emphasises this cultural connection. Prof. Wole Soyinka is depicted with his iconic white hair and signature Aso Oke waistcoat, symbolising his unique and distinguished presence. This masterpiece captures the essence of Soyinka, blending Michelangelo’s artistic brilliance with the profound cultural heritage of Africa, celebrating a monumental legacy in a truly unique and symbolic manner”, Tola Wewe added.
Foluke Michael, the Project Director, disclosed that different variations of this painting will continue to evolve over the next 16 days, symbolising the process of creating “The Creation of Adam.” This ongoing transformation pays homage to the timeless nature of art and creativity, paralleling Michelangelo’s meticulous craftsmanship.
The NINE Seasons of KONGI (Wole Soyinka) continue to honour his legacy across Europe. To date, over 40 select poems written by Professor Wole Soyinka have been recited by African I.D.E.N.T.I.T.Y poets in Italy, the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, and Austria. The 90 poetic performances and cultural events across nine countries plus Nigeria will continue in the Republic of Benin, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany until July.
{For more information, please contact Foluke Michael at [email protected] or +234 8096108715, website: www.wolesoyinkaat90.life }
