The Way of the Birds is A Celebration of Carnival by [@iamdanielobasi]

Multidisciplinary artist Daniel Obasi has created a project that captures the beauty and power of carnival culture. The Way of the Birds project was inspired by the energy and transcendent feeling of Nigeria’s biggest carnival in Calabar. The carnival celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and personality, with performers sashaying through the streets in flamboyant costumes, vibrant body paint, and ethereal wings. Obasi was inspired by the carnival’s energy and the way performers moved in effortless rhythms, like a flock of birds.

For the 8th Volume of Atmos Magazine titled Rhythm, Daniel Obasi captures stunning images depicting the carnival alongside a short film, whilst leading the styling for the entire project. His prowess as a multidisciplinary artist is shown with this beautiful project.

Obasi’s project takes carnival culture from the streets to more intimate settings, such as the bar and the bedroom. The Way of the Birds is a whimsical story that captures the freedom and power that carnival performers exude. The costumes of the models in the shoot took inspiration from Calabar, the landscape, and birds, mimicking their flow and gradient colors. The project explores Afrocentric concepts in a way that expands how the rest of the world talks about the African continent.

The project is an example of how art can be used to explore cultural identity and break down stereotypes. By showcasing the beauty and creativity of carnival culture, Obasi is challenging the perception that Africa is a monolithic continent with a single, homogenous culture. Instead, he shows that Africa is a diverse and vibrant place, full of different cultures, traditions, and ways of life.

Thus The Way of the Birds is also a celebration of community. Most of the models in the shoot and dancers in the carnival were of Calabar descent. Using local models and costumes, Obasi highlights the importance of community in preserving and celebrating cultural traditions. The project is a reminder that culture is not static but is constantly evolving and changing. It is up to each generation to preserve and build upon past traditions while creating new ones for the future.

Obasi’s project is an example of how art can be used to create social change. By showcasing the beauty and creativity of carnival culture, he is challenging the stereotypes and misconceptions about Africa and its people. The project is also a reminder that art can be used to tell stories and capture a culture’s essence. Obasi’s work on “The Way of Birds” is a testament to the power of visual storytelling. 

Discover more from GUAP’s Arts and Culture section here.