Guardians Of The Galaxy
Morinola Balogun celebrates women's power to transcend and reimagine themselves through a mixed media piece.
By African Leadership Academy
Curated By: Umazi Mvurya
Guardians of The Galaxy is part of the Ancient Civilizations & Futuristic Visions exhibit featuring works that draw from African stories and experiences to reimagine the present and inspire new futures.
Meet The Artist
Morinola Balogun, a visual artist from Lagos, Nigeria, found her calling in art despite growing up in a STEM-focused family. Influenced by her grandfather and fuji music, she specializes in mixed media blending paper, fabric, and acrylics to celebrate African culture and women.
Guardians Of The Galaxy (2024) by Morinola BalogunAfrican Leadership Academy
Morinola Asks
What if we created a superhero that acknowledges the contributions of African women, reimagined through a pre-colonial lens?
Contrary to popular belief, modern ideas of women's autonomy mirror the roles of African women in pre-colonial times. Women were seen as guardians and nurturers, ensuring the continuity and natural cycle of life, acting as operational managers in their communities.
During colonialism, African societies were forced to adopt Victorian ideas of womanhood that confined femininity to domestic tasks and childbearing. Despite this, African women resisted, particularly in marketplaces where they dominated and controlled local economic activities.
In "Guardians of the Galaxy," artist Morinola Balogun invites African women to continue reconnecting with their true selves beyond Victorian patriarchal norms, using elements that echo traditional African practices of self-becoming.
Featuring vibrant colors and motifs inspired by African art, this mixed media piece urges its audience to embrace their boldness and envision a world where women are celebrated and treated as the “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
Curated By: Umazi Mvurya
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