The Birds of Taraba

Introduction

The Birds of Taraba Collection is a showcase and celebration of Taraba's biodiversity and natural beauty. As an artistic expression in the style of Contemporary Pan-African Futurism, the collection highlights the beauty, symbolism, and habitats of the region's vibrant bird species. While creating murals for the newly completed Taraba Airport in Kashimbila, we were inspired to produce art that embodies the essence of the local environment, culture, and natural splendor. At Murals.ng, we firmly believe that art is most impactful when it resonates deeply with the people and places it represents.

Inspired by this approach, we created three distinct pieces for the project. The first captured the rich heritage of the Jukun people and their traditional fabric, while the second portrayed the sweeping beauty of the local landscape, featuring the tranquil mountain ranges, rivers, the dam, and the new airport terminal.

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The third creative direction was inspired by the local wildlife, specifically the vibrant bird species of Taraba, which ultimately became the "Birds of Taraba" series. This collection was envisioned to celebrate the region's unique avian diversity. Although our client ultimately decided it wasn't the right fit for the airport, they were so enamored with the artwork that they commissioned it as a special gift for a VIP client who also hailed from Taraba State. This collection embodies our vision of integrating nature and cultural heritage into contemporary art, reflecting our core belief in the importance of connecting art to its cultural and natural roots.

The Design Process

The "Birds of Taraba" series was conceptualized and created by Olufemi Adeleke, the Creative Director at Murals.ng, in our signature style: Contemporary Pan-African Fusion. In this unique approach, he merged cultural themes with modern aesthetics, pushing the boundaries of what African-inspired art can achieve. His goal was to capture the vibrancy of Taraba's wildlife, rendering it true to life, evocative, and faithful to its spirit. Bringing the collection to reality wasn't without its challenges. Initially created digitally, Olufemi aimed for each mural to balance culture and symbolism with dynamic visual components. However, translating these intricate designs onto canvas required exceptional artistry.

Execution

For the physical production, we enlisted professional painters Abimbade Bidemi for pieces 4 and 5, and Adelekan Oladimeji for piece 1, 2 and 3, to help bring the artworks to canvas. Due to the complexity of the pieces, we went through several iterations until we were satisfied. Despite their best efforts, the first attempts did not fully meet our high standards. The painters initially struggled to grasp the unique birdlife of Taraba and the story we aimed to tell. Determined and committed to our vision, we started over. Under Olufemi's guidance, Bidemi meticulously refined each detail, and the final pieces speak to the dedication and resilience of the entire team.

The collection features four native birds, each offering a unique perspective on its contribution to Taraba's ecosystem.

Pink-backed Pelican: Here, the artist has captured the gentle elegance of the pelican with soft gradations of pink and gray. Its sinuous shape is rendered in peaceful detail, while brushstrokes flow like the watery setting that it must inhabit, natural and restful in its essence.

African Grey Parrot: Intelligence is said to be one of its parts; this parrot, in careful shading, brings out smooth, slate-gray feathers and a striking red tail representative of the African Grey Parrot. The bird's gaze is sharp and observant, drawing the viewer into the capture of its keen awareness. It is in the attention to detail that Bidemi makes the piece come alive.

African Crowned Eagle: Painted with bold, confident strokes, the eagle is depicted in full flight, wings spread wide. The intense expression and sharp details of its plumage speak of strength and freedom. The composition speaks of majesty, portraying an eagle in flight, a true embodiment of resilience and grandeur that Taraba's landscape holds. 

African Sparrows: The sparrows have been illustrated in delicate detail, their subtle features articulated through soft earth tones and light greens. Their presence is that of gentleness, speaking of community and endurance, in complete immersion with nature. The good brushwork of Bidemi has caught the gentle appearance of the sparrows; it speaks of the quiet beauty found in ordinary moments of nature.

The "Birds of Taraba" collection is a lot more than a graphical representation of local wildlife; it is a tribute to the natural beauty of Taraba. It speaks to resilience, collaboration, and the unmatched beauty found in detail within nature. This encapsulates the commitment by Murals.ng in pushing the boundaries of art while honoring the cultural and ecological richness of Nigeria. 

Conclusion

This series epitomizes our vision of Contemporary Pan-African Fusion, where art acts as a bridge that connects tradition with the future. The way in which traditional motifs are intertwined with modern techniques underlines the uniqueness of Taraba and gives a visual narration in praise of the land and its people. Finally, "Birds of Taraba" serves as an index for how strong a link is between nature and culture. The work speaks to the mission to which murals.ng is committed: to create art not only to be seen, but felt. A work of art that resonates with, inspires, and pays homage to a place.

Our Offerings

At Murals.ng, we’ve proudly created numerous murals and framed art for residential and commercial spaces, each tailored to reflect our client's unique style and vision. From vibrant home interiors to striking business environments, our arts transform spaces with artistic flair and sophistication. For more information or to book a consultation, feel free to contact us on our various social media pages:

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