Jonathan’s new body of work weaves together themes of family, culture, responsibility, and the intersection of personal and societal narratives. Drawing from both personal experiences and broader cultural reflections, he invites viewers to reconsider their relationship with tradition, responsibility, and their sense of self within the ever-evolving global landscape.
Central to the exhibition is an exploration of an Igbo proverb, “Ụmụnne ji agụ,” which translates to “My sibling/friend is a leopard” or “I'm traveling with a leopard.” The idiomatic meaning of this saying is crucial: it is used to describe a person in a precarious or challenging situation, often one that comes unexpectedly. The saying conjures an image of traveling with a wild, unpredictable animal like a leopard, highlighting the inherent uncertainty and difficulty of the journey. The artist uses this proverb as the foundation for their series, choosing the flamingo as the central symbol to express personal and societal narratives.
This exhibition offers a profound meditation on family, culture, and responsibility, while also critiquing the changing dynamics of modern society. Through the use of the flamingo as a symbol of personal and familial connections, the artist invites viewers to reflect on their own relationships with those who came before them, and the responsibility they bear to both their immediate and extended communities. By juxtaposing traditional cultural values with the influences of globalization, the artist calls attention to the delicate balance between adapting to modernity and preserving the wisdom of the past while also encouraging viewers to find grace in their own movements through the world, even in the face of difficulty and change.
