A surRIHL VISION | SERIES I
PAPADU PAPADU: A Journey of Rediscovery
PAPADU PAPADU is an American-born artist of Nigerian descent, with grandparents from the diverse ethnic groups of Edo, Yoruba, Michika, and Bakweri. Growing up partially disconnected from these roots, PAPADU embarked on an enriching journey to rediscover his cultural heritage, a quest significantly shaped by his background in architecture from Yale University. This journey, coupled with personal growth following his father's battle with cancer, has deeply influenced his unique artistic style, which blends traditional African art with cutting-edge digital techniques.
PAPADU’s work, characterized by abstract and surreal compositions, celebrates the beauty and complexity of the human form. Over the past decade as a visual artist, and specifically over the last two years as the Lead Artist and Creative Director at REAL INTELLIGENCE | HUMAN LEARNING (RI/HL) Studio, he has refined an intuitive and multifaceted artistic process. Mastering techniques such as photo manipulation, digital painting, 3D modeling, animation, motion design, compositing, and collage, PAPADU has developed innovative methods that integrate video editing software with traditional art production. These techniques result in dynamic and expressive compositions that vividly capture both his cultural heritage and personal narratives.
His art has gained international recognition, showcased at prestigious events including the 2022 FIFA World Cup Fan Festival in Doha, Qatar, the 2023 London Fashion Week, and Lagos' immersive experience Nothing Is Unreal. His debut series, surRIHL FORMS | SERIES I, presents an innovative blend of surrealist narratives, capturing vivid dreamscapes that explore identity, heritage, and the human experience. Through this series, PAPADU invites viewers to delve into a visionary world where tradition meets modernity in an expressive, surreal dialogue.
A surRIHL VISION | SERIES I Overview:
This print series by PAPADU PAPADU consists of twelve unique surrealist artworks, each capturing an ethereal moment in a larger narrative. These works are produced using a technique called "de-animation," blending multiple frames from different animations into a single composition. Every piece of art reveals a dreamlike vision, inviting viewers to delve into a world where imagination, heritage, and surrealism converge.
Each artwork in the series is available as high-quality fine art prints using Hahnemühle Torchon 285 g/m² paper, ensuring exceptional texture and depth. These prints come in both small and large editions, making each one a rare collectible. Each print is hand-signed by PAPADU PAPADU, adding a personal touch to every piece. Framed under Glossy Float Glass, the pieces are further enhanced by Bright White Passepartout, creating a striking presentation.
List of Works:
A WOMAN MELTS INTO HER REFLECTION
WHILE DREAMING SISTERS WATCH
AN AFRICAN SPACE WOMAN
IN A POOL OF GOLD AND AMETHYST
RESTING IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT
STARING FROM THE STARS
VIEWING SOMETHING SO BEAUTIFUL
AN ANGEL MERGES WITH THE SUN
GREETED BY THE EYE OF MORNING LIGHT
BASKING IN THE WARMTH OF HER GLOW
WRAPPED IN BRILLIANT RAYS WITH CHERRY LIPS
IN THE PRESENCE A FRIENDLY SOUL
The series A surRIHL VISION | SERIES I consists of twelve surrealist works of art, each containing a unique scene that can be described as follows:
VISION:
"A woman melts into her reflection, while dreaming sisters watch an African space woman, in a pool of gold and amethyst, resting in the still of the night, staring from the stars, viewing something beautiful – an angel merges with the sun, greeted by the eye of morning light, basking in the warmth of her glow, wrapped in brilliant rays with cherry lips, in the presence of a friendly soul."
These works were created using "de-animation," a unique process developed in collaboration with Blackfish through the creative initiative RIHL (REAL INTELLIGENCE | HUMAN LEARNING). By blending multiple frames from different animations into a single frame, and combining them with digital painting and various image manipulation techniques, each print captures a moment from a larger narrative. This innovative approach transforms each frame into a surreal, dreamlike vision.
PAPADU PAPADU is an American-born artist of Nigerian descent, with grandparents from the diverse ethnic groups of Edo, Yoruba, Michika, and Bakweri. Growing up partially disconnected from these roots, PAPADU embarked on an enriching journey to rediscover his cultural heritage, a quest significantly shaped by his background in architecture from Yale University. This journey, coupled with personal growth following his father's battle with cancer, has deeply influenced his unique artistic style, which blends traditional African art with cutting-edge digital techniques.
PAPADU’s work, characterized by abstract and surreal compositions, celebrates the beauty and complexity of the human form. Over the past decade as a visual artist, and specifically over the last two years as the Lead Artist and Creative Director at REAL INTELLIGENCE | HUMAN LEARNING (RI/HL) Studio, he has refined an intuitive and multifaceted artistic process. Mastering techniques such as photo manipulation, digital painting, 3D modeling, animation, motion design, compositing, and collage, PAPADU has developed innovative methods that integrate video editing software with traditional art production. These techniques result in dynamic and expressive compositions that vividly capture both his cultural heritage and personal narratives.
His art has gained international recognition, showcased at prestigious events including the 2022 FIFA World Cup Fan Festival in Doha, Qatar, the 2023 London Fashion Week, and Lagos' immersive experience Nothing Is Unreal. His debut series, surRIHL FORMS | SERIES I, presents an innovative blend of surrealist narratives, capturing vivid dreamscapes that explore identity, heritage, and the human experience. Through this series, PAPADU invites viewers to delve into a visionary world where tradition meets modernity in an expressive, surreal dialogue.
A surRIHL VISION | SERIES I Overview:
This print series by PAPADU PAPADU consists of twelve unique surrealist artworks, each capturing an ethereal moment in a larger narrative. These works are produced using a technique called "de-animation," blending multiple frames from different animations into a single composition. Every piece of art reveals a dreamlike vision, inviting viewers to delve into a world where imagination, heritage, and surrealism converge.
Each artwork in the series is available as high-quality fine art prints using Hahnemühle Torchon 285 g/m² paper, ensuring exceptional texture and depth. These prints come in both small and large editions, making each one a rare collectible. Each print is hand-signed by PAPADU PAPADU, adding a personal touch to every piece. Framed under Glossy Float Glass, the pieces are further enhanced by Bright White Passepartout, creating a striking presentation.
List of Works:
A WOMAN MELTS INTO HER REFLECTION
WHILE DREAMING SISTERS WATCH
AN AFRICAN SPACE WOMAN
IN A POOL OF GOLD AND AMETHYST
RESTING IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT
STARING FROM THE STARS
VIEWING SOMETHING SO BEAUTIFUL
AN ANGEL MERGES WITH THE SUN
GREETED BY THE EYE OF MORNING LIGHT
BASKING IN THE WARMTH OF HER GLOW
WRAPPED IN BRILLIANT RAYS WITH CHERRY LIPS
IN THE PRESENCE A FRIENDLY SOUL
The series A surRIHL VISION | SERIES I consists of twelve surrealist works of art, each containing a unique scene that can be described as follows:
VISION:
"A woman melts into her reflection, while dreaming sisters watch an African space woman, in a pool of gold and amethyst, resting in the still of the night, staring from the stars, viewing something beautiful – an angel merges with the sun, greeted by the eye of morning light, basking in the warmth of her glow, wrapped in brilliant rays with cherry lips, in the presence of a friendly soul."
These works were created using "de-animation," a unique process developed in collaboration with Blackfish through the creative initiative RIHL (REAL INTELLIGENCE | HUMAN LEARNING). By blending multiple frames from different animations into a single frame, and combining them with digital painting and various image manipulation techniques, each print captures a moment from a larger narrative. This innovative approach transforms each frame into a surreal, dreamlike vision.