Kikelomo
Kikelomo, is a Yoruba Oriki name meaning “a child is meant to be pampered”.
This piece depicts the weight of motherhood, physically, mentally and spiritually. Through the use of symbolism with color, nature, and West African symbols that move the story, I aim to show the importance of parental relationships.
The child, Kikelomo, is seen being balanced on her mothers head. This is a symbolic message of her being precious cargo. As a mother, a level of balance and structure must be maintained for a child grow into the world. This can be seen physically, as she’s carrying the child on her head. However, we must think deeper into her balance mentally, as it is just as important as her balance physically. Kikelomo resting on her head is a subtle way of saying this.
If the parent of a child is drowning in toxicity and imbalance, often times the child will grow adapting to those character traits. Here, the mother appears to be effortlessly maintaining her composure and patience. The halo around Kikelomo’s head, symbolizes a child’s innocence and sinless nature. As Kikelomo reaches up in fascination to grab the budding flowers, this symbolizes the new and never ending opportunities she may have as she’s growing into the world, as a result of the positivity her mother is creating around her. Both the mother and child, are connected spiritually.
What this piece aims to depict is the serenity, patience, and love a mother must have within herself to raise a child filled with life and positivity. Well after a mother has finished her initial job of raising her child into adulthood, she will still continue to have her child resting on her head, within in her mind, and her heart. Whatever burdens Kikelomo will face, or happiness she feels in life, will also be felt by her mother, because of their spiritual connectivity.
