you are home The title “You Are Home” conveys a profound message—home is not just a place; it is where your soul finds peace and connection. It represents acceptance, cultural unity, and the idea that true belonging transcends physical boundaries.
This artwork is a visual symphony of identity, transformation, and cultural fusion. At its heart is a striking portrait of a dark-skinned woman, her luminous skin glowing against the intricate background. Her lips, painted in a deep shade of orange, echo the vibrancy of the Monarch butterflies that dance around her face, intertwining with her hair like whispers of untold stories. These butterflies—delicate yet powerful—symbolize metamorphosis, migration, and the beauty of change. They are free, yet they linger, as if drawn to the essence of her soul. Behind her, the Abuja city gate, with its bold declaration—“YOU ARE WELCOME”—stands as a beacon of hospitality, an emblem of open arms and new beginnings. The presence of this monument, combined with the breathtaking Persian tile patterns, creates a striking contrast between two worlds, two cultures, two histories. It is a meeting point, a bridge between Nigeria and Iran, woven together through art and symbolism. The Persian tiles, adorned with intricate floral and geometric designs, whisper the stories of centuries-old artistry, just as the bold presence of the Abuja gate speaks of strength, modernity, and national pride. Together, they form a backdrop that is both historical and futuristic, traditional yet evolving—much like the woman herself, standing at the intersection of worlds, embracing both heritage and transformation. This image is more than a portrait; it is a poetic narrative—a story of migration, belonging, and the beautiful complexity of identity. It is about finding oneself in the delicate dance between the past and the present, between where we come from and where we are going. The butterflies, the woman, the gate, and the tiles all weave together into a tapestry of evolution, resilience, and boundless
