This video about the work of Nigerian-Canadian sculptor Oluseye is a must-watch.

The video provides an unusual opportunity to go with the artist on a walk-through of his powerful works about the African diaspora, and his own personal journey.

Talismans from African migrations

These objects are Oluseye’s “reimaginations of the talismans that Africans past and present have carried on journeys aross the Atlantic,” including on slave ships (one of them built in Canada).

Video on Vimeo

The sculpture at the top of this post is “Mighty Peter,” Oluseye’s interpretation of the iconic, American image of Whipped Peter, an escaped slave. An 1863 photo of his savagely scarred back helped raise a national outcry against the cruelty of slavery.

Mighty Peter: Charcoal and pastel on vinyl print, nails, magnet, wood, brick, cowrie shells. 12 x 8 x 5¼ inches, 2024.