Laolu has mastered the Sacred Art of the Ori, using busts as his medium to express the unique stories of each subject, beginning with the head—the essence of identity. From his poignant tribute to Breonna Taylor, to his homage to the Ife statues, to the creation of The Dreamer Collection of porcelain and gold busts in collaboration with Lladró, Laolu demonstrates a profound understanding of the significance of the bust as a powerful artistic centerpiece, reminder for self reflection, and a catalyst for meaningful conversation.
The journey of the Dreamer begins within one’s Ori, or head, the sacred seat of consciousness. The eyes serve to protect consciousness—your essence and thought patterns—which impacts your motivation to persevere. The eyes represent the ancestors watching over us as we take up the courage, strength, and pride of living our manifestations and pursuing our goals.
The Ori Busts are a tribute to the Yoruba heritage, showcasing traditional art techniques infused with mesmerizing Yoruba-stylized patterns. Through this collection, I aim to capture the intricate diversity and essence of what it truly means to be Yoruba - connecting with our roots, embracing the complexities of our dreams and human experiences. The Original Busts tell our stories, reflected back to us.
Check out more on Laolu’s busts creations. You can order The Dreamer via Lladro’s site or custom order your unique ORI busts by Laolu via the custom order link.