Description
‘Hypnagogia’ by Ejiwa ‘Edge’ Ebenebe
Artist: Ejiwa ‘Edge’ Ebenebe
Title: ‘Hypnagogia’
Medium: Acrylic on Paper
Dimensions: Painting Size: 14″ x 11″ (Paper Size: 15.5″ x 13.25″)
Framing: Unframed
Year of Creation: 2019
About the Artwork:
“As you flutter between phases of waking and dreaming, a shifting form emerges at the edge of your vision. Is that.. you? Someone you know? Is it even human? As you struggle to focus, reality drags you back into its embrace. Your eyes snap open and sunlight floods your vision as the figure fades into nothingness. But the piercing gaze and echoing questions remain, burned into your consciousness.
‘Hypnagogia’ is a part of my growing collection of pieces exploring ethereal beings wandering through whimsical, surreal worlds. I’ve always been fascinated by the strange imaginings our brains cobble together in the depths of our sleep, or within our meandering daydreams. Each painting is an effort to communicate with these beings; to follow where they roam and listen to the words they whisper.” – Ejiwa ‘Edge’ Ebenebe
About the Artist:
Ejiwa ‘Edge’ Ebenebe is a Nigerian-Canadian artist/illustrator currently based in BC, Canada. While her parentage is Nigerian, she was born outside of their homeland, and went on to experience multiple cultures throughout her childhood and early adulthood.
As an immigrant artist, she wrestles with the concept of community and identity, both within herself and in the work she creates, and strives to create representation for voices (particularly Black and/or LGBTQ+ women) who are often pushed out of positive, empowering narratives.
But also echoing throughout her work is a love for the whimsical, ethereal visions of the fairy tales and folk stories she grew up immersed in. From her passion for rich, vibrant colours, to the love of elaborate ornamentation, her varying homes have moulded her creative perspective in strong ways.
Though she is currently currently building her life in Canada, these roots continue to weave themselves throughout each piece she creates. In combining all these influences she hopes to create artwork that is both uplifting and whimsical, a respite from life’s rigors.