"IDAPO" is from the Yoruba language spoken in West Africa and translates to "FUSION". Join Native New Orleanian & International Artist, Ohso Fabone as she presents a new collection of 30 small, original, mixed media works. Embark on an unforgettable journey thru her Afro-Asian Fusion series which interweaves elements from African American and Japanese cultures resulting in an unforgettable encounter of vibrant aesthetics, texture, and diversity that challenge societal perceptions.
I myself have a strong interest in Asian culture, which includes Asian cuisine, clothing,
martial arts, anime, and movies! As a result of Japan's rich cultural legacy and openness
to many influences, black culture there is nothing new. A little known Japanese subculture
known as "Black Lifestyle" or "B-Style" first surfaced in the 1990s, and it is characterized
by young Japanese adults and teens imitating black culture's beauty, fashion, and way of
life. This frequently entails perming, weaving their hair into Afrocentric styles including
dreadlocks, braids, twists, and afros, as well as donning hip-hop apparel and jewelry.
Some even go so far as to darken their complexion at tanning salons, rejecting the Japanese
beauty norm of pale skin.
It appears that Japanese people respect and appreciate other countries' sense of style.
"B-Style" is just one of several fashion subcultures that exist; others include Chicanos,
Lolita Fashion (Victorian Elegance), Cosplay Anime, and Rockabillies. Even though the goal of
"B-Style" is to NOT look Japanese, some social justice warriors will condemn this and see it
as disrespectful, cultural appropriation, or mocking; nevertheless, a closer examination
reveals how Japanese fashion has evolved, showcasing a blend of traditional and
contemporary foreign influences while emphasizing individuality and inventiveness.
As a black woman of Nigerian and Scandinavian descent, is it inappropriate or disrespectful
for me to wear a custom-made Japanese kimono produced in America from African Ankara
wax print textiles, which were first introduced by the Dutch, who drew inspiration from
Indonesian batik designs? No, appropriation would have removed the garment's historical
significance and obscured its origins. How, therefore, do we walk this fine line between
appreciation & appropriation? The key is education! In addition to embracing the beauty
that results from fusing various styles, through my "IDAPO" series I aim to ensure the
utmost respect for cultural diversity by imparting basic knowledge of historical, social,
and religious significance of elements I've interweaved into my pieces.
"IDAPO" Afro-Asian Fusion is an experimental series blending elements from African American
and Japanese regions that, together, seem to demand vibrancy, drama and intricacy.
"IDAPO" (EE-DAH-PO) is from the Yoruba language spoken in West Africa, including Nigeria
and translates to "FUSION".
In addition, I've taken an Artistic License to create imaginative titles that combine Nigerian
/Yoruba and Japanese languages to further reflect the essence of these multifaceted pieces.
ENJOY!
“"IDAPO" Promo Poster”
