Ride or Die (2024)

Ride or Die (2024) by Sunday Olaniyi is a striking mixed media artwork crafted from beads on board, measuring 48 x 24 inches. This vibrant piece features two stylized figures adorned in fashionable attire, with the patterns of iconic luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton intricately rendered using a meticulous arrangement of beads. The bright yellow background provides a bold contrast, making the figures and their ornate garments stand out vividly. The texture is rich and tactile, with the beads adding a dynamic, three-dimensional quality that catches the light and draws viewers in.

The figures, with elongated necks, large expressive eyes, and prominent earrings, evoke a sense of unity and shared identity, suggestive of close companionship or partnership—embodying the concept of being each other’s ‘ride or die.’ The fashion elements, including bucket hats and bags, symbolize a blend of traditional artistry with modern, consumer-driven aesthetics, hinting at themes of identity, status, and cultural fusion.

Olaniyi’s use of beads is not merely decorative but deeply symbolic, representing resilience, connection, and the intricate ties that bind individuals within communities. Through this piece, the artist explores the interplay of tradition and contemporary life, challenging viewers to reflect on the influence of material culture on personal relationships and identity. The deliberate choice of bold, contrasting colors, and textures emphasizes the dynamic nature of these themes, inviting contemplation on how cultural symbols shape and define our connections with one another. https://www.artsy.net/artwork/sunday-olaniyi-ride-or-die