Ancestor’s Reflection is the motivation of the Orisa Esu (pronounced A’ Shoe). In the Yoruba Diaspora, he is the “owner of the crossroads.” When looking at this artwork, I want to share a pataki (story) of Esu:
“There were two close friends talking when ESU walked rudely between them. One friend said: ‘Did you see that rude red being?’ The other friend stated: ‘No, you’re wrong, my friend. It was a rude brown-black being!’ In their arguing, Esu stepped to them. They looked at Esu and began to laugh at themselves. For you see they were both right.”
If I were asked what this art means to me. I would say understanding, reflection, clarity, choice, and humor/laughter at ourselves.”
