The Wisdom of Distance

This painting draws its inspiration from a profound Yoruba proverb: "Igi gogoro ma gun mi loju, okere la ti n wo", which translates to "For a tall tree not to poke me in the eye, it is best observed from a distance." At its core, this saying speaks to the importance of caution, foresight, and the wisdom of perspective in navigating life’s challenges.

The towering, thorny tree in the painting represents looming threats or difficult situations that may appear overpowering up close. The lone figure on the path, standing at a safe distance and facing the vast ocean, symbolises the human need to pause, reflect, and evaluate from afar before engaging. The turbulent sky and crashing waves echo the uncertainties of life, while the winding path suggests that wisdom is often found through introspection, not confrontation.  As an artist, I am deeply influenced by proverbs, nature, and personal experience. This piece is not just a visual expression, but a moral compass inviting the viewer to consider when to advance, when to retreat, and when to simply observe. Sometimes, stepping back is not avoidance, or act of cowardice, but the most courageous and intelligent choice.

Through this work, I hope to rekindle appreciation for traditional Yoruba wisdom in a contemporary context, and to provoke reflection on how we manage proximity to power, pain, and possibility.