The poetic notions of blue: A haven

Ruth Ige was born in 1992 in Ilé-Ifẹ̀, Nigeria but now lives and works in Tāmaki Makaurau.

She graduated from Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Visual Arts in 2016. Since Ige’s first group exhibition Dirt Future at Artspace in 2017, she has received international attention as well as in New Zealand. Ige has exhibited or shown multiple times in South Africa, Europe and North America as well as in New Zealand.  Her work featured in a group exhibitions at both the Wellington City Gallery in A Place Apart: Christina Pataialii and Ruth Ige in 2020, and most recently, at the Auckland Art Gallery for Aotearoa Contemporary in 2024. Ige has been featured in ‘What to see right now’ by the New York Times and also featured in the New Zealand Herald, Cultured Magazine and various other publications.

Premise of show in her own words below.

Prelude

The poetic notions of blue: A haven is a continuation of the 2021 body of work The poetic notions of blue. Continuing in the same spirit of that show, but with some additions, further revelations and explorations. I will be bringing back some of my sculptural painting explorations from art school and some new discoveries as well. Playing around with the notion of ‘what is painting?’. Challenging western ideas and systems of painting. Showing reverence and irreverence for the art form by bringing in materials not associated with conventional western painting mediums. Materials such as Nigerian traditional/indigenous dried leaves used by the Igbo people of Nigeria of which I am from (I am Igbo and Yoruba). Using blue spirulina natures algae superfood as a painting medium. As well as West African indigo pigment (Philenoptera cyanescens). Putting these alongside conventional acrylic paints and oil stick and roaming free with wonder. Painting is a haven and so is creativity. 

This body of work explores the ideas around acceptance, belonging, community, culture, escapism, dignity, creativity, speculative fiction, poetry and painting. Theoretically, conceptually, historically and spiritually speaking these are all forms havens. I am accessing these multitude of havens through the colour blue.  

Blue is the doorway. Blue is the vessel that carries and preserves knowledge, language, wisdom and revelation. This is a long-held tradition and practice seen through Nigerian Indigo fabrics such as Adire (Yoruba word for tie and dye) by the Yoruba people and the Ukara cloth by the Igbo people (and various neighbouring people groups). These fabrics carry ancient symbols of wisdom, history, knowledge, proverbs, mythology and secret information that has been passed down. 

Furthermore, in the Yoruba culture indigo represents love. In the Yoruba language indigo is called elu. It is also at times used as medicine taken internally and is said to ward off sickness when painted on houses. By Adire being worn upon the vessel that is our bodies I see that blue has been this symbol of legacy, health, dignity and protection.

Indigo for centuries has been in the deep ancient dye pits of Kano, Nigeria. It has been in Osogbo of Osun state, Abeokuta of Ogun state and many other places in Nigeria. In places like Mali, Guinea, Benin and all over the motherland blue is power. Cultural power. 

Blue is also diasporic. The Gullah Geechee people believe that evil spirits are repelled by water and sky. So, the colour blue is seen as a form of protection. A certain shade of blue is painted on doors and porch ceilings to ward off evil. It is sacred. It is protection. It is tears. It is heritage. It is spiritual.

The poetry blue holds are endless, and this is why it needed a part two. Through all these things discussed and more I will be exploring ideas around blackness and as always showing the multiplicity that it carries. Using secrecy and mystery as tools of empowerment. Dismantling the need or ability to preconceive or prejudge. To put aside what you think you know and meditate. For these are not meant to be fully understood. Just as we cannot fully understand the many facets that make up an individual.

However, surrounding these figures in blue, these black figures are being protected, healed and allowed to be themselves. Blue is the haven they reside in. Where they can grieve and rejoice. Where they can be given dignity and respect. Where they can be free.

Blue (colour that breathes)

Oh under the embrace of the all knowing
That is the colour blue,
There before the emergence of all things
Carrier of sacred realms and histories
Language and symbols hidden within

Cycles
Life
Birth
Death
Resurrection
Reincarnation
Eternity

Portals to ancient waters
Doorways to the heavens

Protect us from evil

And bring forth your peace and your mercy

As we walk through uncharted realms 

Give us courage in the face of hate

To lift our heads high
And let us rest in the deep wells of cerulean 

And make homes in the concaves of your eternal