King's Day

Dimensions: 117 x 121cm
 
Each year Kings in Southwest Nigeria and across Yoruba land, have a Day of Goodwill towards all their citizens. It is referred to as ‘Oba Gunwa’, meaning the King’s Day of good disposition.
 
On this day anyone can come before the King with a request and so long as the King has the ability, he would oblige. Also, the King on this day selects certain citizens and honours them and lifts them up in his realm. This day is marked with very colourful displays and pomp. The King invites other Kings from around him to come and enjoy His largesse.
 
This is what Abiona so delicately captured in this piece. Knife and palette strokes, culminating in a blended motif of hues, that one can only say is fit for a king!