Title: Elephant Sees Colors
Medium: Acrylics on Canvas
Dimensions: 24″ x 36″
Year: 2021

The creation of “Elephant Sees Colors” is a tale of artistic inspiration that emerged from an unexpected source—the presence of an irritating fly. In the midst of a summer during a challenging year marked by the pandemic, Oluwatosin found herself confined to her home. Frustration mounted as a persistent fly took residence indoors, defying her every attempt to be rid of it.

In her quest to banish the pesky intruder, Oluwatosin resorted to fly tape, but it was the wall that bore the brunt of her efforts. The sticky residue left behind became the catalyst for a creative solution. She acquired a canvas with the intention of covering the wall. Little did she know that this moment would birth “Elephant Sees Colors.”

Inspired by her existing paintings of a giraffe and a zebra in her living room, Oluwatosin decided to add a vibrant splash of color to her surroundings. The result was an exquisitely painted elephant, rendered in her unique style, that she proudly hung on her wall. Not only did it serve as a decorative piece, but it also accomplished an unintended feat—keeping flies at bay.

The elephant’s journey in the painting mirrors Oluwatosin’s own creative journey, a testament to the ability of art to transform frustration into beauty and irritation into inspiration. “Elephant Sees Colors” now stands as a vibrant guardian of her home, warding off unwelcome guests and reminding all who gaze upon it that the diverse and colorful world around us illuminates life’s journeys.