THE SACRIFICE

Creative Direction & Art Direction

My client sought an editorial exploring identity, duality, and connection within the Black experience. The goal was to create surreal imagery symbolizing unity and opposition while staying rooted in cultural symbolism.

PROBLEM

The Sacrifice featured two figures in an ambiguous stance, symbolizing tension and harmony. Sculptural skin tones stripped away individual identity, while beaded hair, inspired by African traditions, obscured their faces and added texture.

CREATIVE APPROACH

Beaded hair referenced African heritage while anonymizing the subjects, emphasizing shared cultural roots.

WARDROBE

A bold orange background symbolized energy and transformation, while vibrant fabrics in deep blues and greens bridged tradition and futurism.

SET DESIGN

Directional lighting sculpted the bodies, giving them a statuesque, timeless quality.

LIGHTING

Sculptural skin tones erased individual identity, while fabrics blended tradition with futurism.

SYMBOLISM

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CREDITS

Creative Direction: Michael Onipede // Photo & Editing: Hope Obadan // Styling: Kayode Adekansola // Lighting: Hope Obadan // Assistance: Kayla Ferguson // Talent: David Dosah, Daniel Dosah​​​​​​