Deborah Abosede Ibeme Fine Art Photographer“Where Ancestors Still Breathe”
The art exhibited by Deborah Abosede Ibeme titled “Where Ancestors Still Breathe” that took place between March 15th–19th, 2022 Nike Art Gallery, Lagos, Nigeria features a meaningful and aesthetically pleasing portrait photograph that bridges the gap between the seen and unseen world of ancestors. The piece offers the viewer an opportunity to contemplate the role played by memory and identity as part of the spiritual dimension of our lives.
Starting with formal elements, the composition can be described as balanced and clear-cut. First and foremost, the subject is centered with a calm yet confident pose, looking directly ahead. There is a well-balanced combination of lighting that illuminates the model’s face, as well as her skin and attire. The background itself is muted yet rich and allows for highlighting of the subject. The warm tones of brown and gold are used effectively here to provide the feeling of depth and link to nature. Moreover, the hairstyle used looks like it is spreading outward in an almost sculptural manner, focusing attention on the model’s head.
The large circular earrings also frame the face and add to the sense of cultural identity. The presence of the white cat introduces another layer of meaning. Its calm and still posture may symbolise quiet awareness, intuition, or even a spiritual companion. The contrast between the dark skin of the subject and the white fur of the cat creates visual balance while also suggesting a meeting of different energies seen and unseen, physical and spiritual.
Relating the work to its title, Where Ancestors Still Breathe, the image strongly suggests that ancestors, though physically gone, continue to exist through the living. The subject can be seen as a vessel or carrier of ancestral presence. Her calm gaze and steady posture give the impression that she is not alone, but supported by something beyond the visible world.
In many African traditions, ancestors are believed to remain close to the living. They guide, protect, and influence daily life. This belief is not always loud or obvious, but it is deeply felt. In this artwork, that quiet presence is suggested through stillness, expression, and symbolic elements. The subject’s confidence and calmness may reflect inner strength passed down from previous generations. The work also connects strongly to tradition and personal identity. Hairstyles, clothing, and adornment are not just decorative; they carry cultural meaning and history. Through these elements, the ancestors “breathe” by continuing to shape how people present themselves and understand who they are. Identity, in this sense, is not only personal but also collective, built from the lives and experiences of those who came before.
Finally, the photograph reminds us that ancestral presence is part of everyday life. It can be felt in simple actions, beliefs, and ways of thinking. Even when not spoken about, it exists in habits, values, and cultural practices. Ibeme captures this idea in a subtle but powerful way, showing that the past is never truly gone. Deborah Abosede Ibeme’s work in Where Ancestors Still Breathe is both visually striking and deeply meaningful. Through careful composition and symbolism, the artist presents the idea that ancestors continue to live through us. Their presence shapes identity, guides daily life, and remains an important part of cultural continuity. The photograph stands as a quiet but strong reminder that even though ancestors are gone, they still “breathe” within the living.
By Tanjudeen Sowole
