A Rare Bird 

A Rare Bird, 1979, 40%22x32%22.jpg

A Rare Bird
Self-portrait with Lorraine

A rare bird is an exceptional person or thing, a rarity. It's an idiom that describes someone with unique qualities or characteristics that set them apart. For instance, a woman who is not only a soulmate, partner, or wife but also a source of unwavering support, understanding, and love fits the description of a rare bird.

When a man and a woman, the two complementary genders, unite, they create a harmonious bond. They define each other, and their union is a testament to the beauty of relationships. Imagine two rare birds, each with their unique qualities, coming together. It's a sight to behold, a treasure to be cherished. The Yoruba proverb, “Ẹyẹ ò lè fi apá kan fò,” further underscores this. A bird cannot fly with one wing. (A man and a woman lean on each other to sustain a successful union.)

Encountering a rare bird, a person with such unique qualities, is like stumbling upon a hidden treasure. It's a moment that fills you with awe, admiration, and even euphoria. It's a feeling that can't be easily described, but it's a sign that you've found something truly special, something that will change your lifel.

A Rare Bird is a painting of a husband and wife.

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Ìgbà m̀bájó

Igba Mbajo, 1990, 28%22x34%22.jpg

Ìgbà m̀bájó; onílù gbélùlọ
When I wanted to dance, the musicians dispersed.

Let's delve into the world of Yoruba wisdom with a captivating proverb: "Ìgbà m̀bájó; onílù gbélùlọ" (when I was ready to dance, the drummers dispersed). This proverb beautifully illustrates the importance of seizing an opportunity promptly. Picture this: a vibrant dance band arrives in your community, playing their hearts out. However, you hesitate to join in the fun. And when you decide to dance, the band unexpectedly packs up and leaves, a situation perfectly encapsulated by this proverb. 

Another Yoruba proverb compares to the above but with more severe consequences when one fails to take advantage of an opportunity. "If a terrible epidemic descends on a town, the town uses a terrible medicine to confront it." (Bí àrùn búbúrú bá wọlú, oògùn búbúrú la fí ń wò ó). If the town does nothing to stop the epidemic, it can become a massive disaster. 

The painting, a visual representation of the Yoruba proverbs, depicts three musicians returning home. The context of their return, whether after a successful performance or a missed opportunity, is left to the viewer's interpretation, adding a layer of curiosity and engagement to the piece.