artists delphine diallo and jules arthur collab on ‘lion base’ art pieces

A fundraiser for Folorunsho was recently held at the James Hotel (Soho, NYC). Visual artist Jules Arthur collaborated with Delphine Diallo on two art pieces which were donated to the fundraiser. He tells us: “Folorunsho is a group out of Sierra Leone. [It includes] child soldiers of the civil war who have made a stance to set down their guns and be productive in their community. They are a collective of young boys who create one off designs: shirts, shoes and other apparel. Super dope stuff. They call the facilities Lion Base.” (…)
“I met [Folorunsho founder] Mallence Bart-Williams at PowerHouse in Dumbo Brooklyn for the launch of her book ‘Lion Base’. I was drawn to her words about the project. “I am not looking for charity I am looking for sharity. Looking for like-minded artist and creative types to get on board.” That grabbed me the most. I knew 75% of the individuals involved with the production of its media. I was talking to Shawn Peters that night who shot the documentary about the boys and Lion Base. “I would love to work with you guys and Mallence on this project.” He said “GREAT” and put a plug in Mallence’s ear about me wanting to participate. Mallence and I met at Soho House and discussed the project and see how I could be an integral part of the cause. We had two weeks before her event at the James Hotel. Practically no time for me to produce something for the fundraiser. She gave me a run down of the artist involved for the fundraiser. Two stuck out. Barron Claiborne and Delphine Diallo. Two artist I wanted to work with. She showed me the work they were donating to the event. It hit me right then and there. A COLLABO! So Mallence printed up two large prints of two of the boys from Sierra Leone (Lion Base). I splashed my magic across the prints then like a baton i quickly handed it off to Delphine so she could work her magic on the prints. The art work was framed and hung for the event and auctioned off. A total success. The two works were used as the back drop for all the photos taken of guests and attendees.”