photographer invokes spirits of the yoruba orishas in “ode to oya” photo series

Yannis Guibinga, the Gabonese photographer based out of Canada, is invoking the spirits of the orisha Oya in her new photo series. “Ode To Oya” is a series surrounding African traditions and spirituality. In the Yoruba mythology, Oya is known as the goddess of winds and tempests. This photo series is meant to highlight and celebrate this traditionally African deity in a culture that seems to now have forgotten about them, but their power transcends time and space. Because most African countries have now adopted monotheistic religions, the traditional deities that were worshipped long before colonialism ended up being cast away and disappearing from mainstream culture. “Ode to Oya” is a series emulating the essence of the deity in order to pay homage as well as celebrate her and her legacy. In a lot of ways, this photo series is supposed to be a reminder to remember our history, just as much as it is to celebrate a vibrant culture that many people in the diaspora has forgotten. Let the wind carry you through this gorgeous display of spiritual and artistic beauty.

By T. McLendon, AFROPUNK Contributor

Photography by Yannis Davy Guibinga
Make up by Sijia Cheng
Styling by Christine McGregor
Model: Abigail Whitney