OGBANJE

Ogbanje in the African contemporary society, describes mental illness, bipolar disorder, depressions or any natural phenomenon that could not be explained biologically (well at least by them).

Ogbanje is about mental illness and it's perception in the traditional African setting. It describes the various names and stigma that were given to people with bipolar disorder, depression, personality disorders and even some benign neuroses.

Ogbanje, Emere, Owumiri they're called.

In a seemingly crude kind of way, traditional Igbo societies recognized the cynical nature of bipolar disorder, even recognized the relationship of these symptoms to light, illumination and brightness of the days and nights. They also attributed it to harvest seasons and full moons.

Mental illness still carries a lot of stigma in Africa, making it difficult for patients and their relatives to seek help. Traditional beliefs and healing still holding sway, only competing with Western religion and Churches (like the catholic church).

HOW IT STARTED

This painting was done to shine a little on misunderstood concepts in the African society. New generations of African kids have alot more enlightenment and it's beautiful to see that people understand and accept mental illness not as a deformity or a lacking of sort but as what it is, just another human trying to live.

The black and white color and angle shows the sadness and non concern towards the girl and more on the characteristics as an Ogbanje.

FINISHED WORK

The color yellow represents mental disorders seen in the very misunderstood light.

Tell me what you think.