Laolu Senbanjo Talks About ‘The Sacred Art Of The Ori’

Every artist has a name, and every artist has a story.

Laolu Senbanjo’s story started in Nigeria, where he was surrounded by the culture and mythology of the Yoruba, and brought him to law school, to New York and eventually to work on Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” album. He shares what he calls “The Sacred Art of the Ori,” art that uses skin as canvas and connects artist and muse through mind, body and soul.

Laolu Senbajo doing his art. Photo: Jarrad Henderson

Senbajo has been using his art to put the Yoruba culture on the world map. Earlier this year, Bvlgari used his tribal art for the release of their limited edition of Man n Black essence.

Senbajo gave a TED Talk, which was presented at an official TED conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, CA in April 2017.

His talk, titled “Sacred Art of the Ori”, shares his experience of giving up his profession as Human Rights Lawyer to chase his dream of doing Art full time.

In his talk, he speaks about this path and how he found his mantra, “Everything is my Canvas” how he started The Sacred Art of the Ori and how he had the opportunity to work with Beyonce.

Senbajo also discusses the importance of the necessary shift in African culture on weighing importance and respect in the Arts and valuing its culture and more.

You can watch his talk below: