The idea behind the triptych “Hues of Origin” was born when I considered the concept of reincarnation. This is a fascinating but complex subject, and it is a bedrock of many unanswered questions. In these pieces, I seek to portray the beauty, abstraction, and intricacies of a person’s genealogy. Every piece takes you on a journey back to one’s ancestral identity, back to the source of the texture of your skin, the dreadlocks crowning your head, the birthmarks, every tangible proof that isn’t classified as genetic coincidence.

Thoughts from Joshua Effiong on his triptych “Hues of Origin”

How would you describe your practice?

Honestly, before I begin any piece, I try to narrow down my inspiration(s) to a story and submit myself to be guided by the ideas to bring the story to life, and the end product is always worth it. I draw directly into my computer without sketches, and if I make mistakes, I infuse them into the art itself.

What was the inspiration behind these pieces?

My inspiration for each piece is linked to one central idea: reincarnation. What propels me is the desire to create an understanding between it and my religion. I intentionally played with colours, shapes and designs to portray people who are products of reincarnation and have had their lives intertwined. The first piece in the series opens with different but similar faces, embedded in a river of abstract colours and designs, representing dominant facial appearances from one generation to another. The second piece represents specific languages invented into signs and symbols, read and understood by this class of persons. The last piece in the series reveals a world of deities these people are being drawn to. In most cases, they get to gravitate towards the gods of their roots.

What do you believe is the role of art and the artist?

The role of art is to serve as a tool through which an artist preserves stories in whatever form; written, painted or in video.

What about Neon Door led you to submit?

I love the web design. The dreaminess is soothing. Immediately when I walk in through the door, it opens me to a world of possibilities.

How do you see your work evolving?

If I had the needed resources, I would love to animate my art to give them a real voice of their own.

Joshua Effiong is a creative writer and digital artist from the Örö people of Nigeria. He is the author of a poetry chapbook Autopsy of Things Left Unnamed (2020). His works have been published or are forthcoming in 580 split, Wrongdoing Magazine, Vast Literary Press, Native Skin, Chestnut Review, The Indianapolis Review and elsewhere. Say hi on Twitter @JoshEffiong and Instagram @josh.effiong.

Twitter: @JoshEffiong
Instagram: @josh.effiong