Tobi Onabolu Wins Aesthetica Art Prize with Film Danse Macabre Blending Yoruba Cosmology and Jungian Psychology

Tobi Onabolu, an artist-filmmaker originally from London now residing in Grand Popo, Benin Republic, has received the Aesthetica Art Prize for his moving-image work Danse Macabre. The film explores spirituality, mental health, and the human psyche by synthesizing Yoruba cosmology with Carl Jung's concept of the collective unconscious. Onabolu integrates diverse elements including European cinema, experimental music, poetry, archival audio, and dance into a cohesive performance. He collaborated with composer 4Stringsz and editor Nic Wassell to balance these components. The artist draws parallels between Jungian psychology and Yoruba traditions like Egúngún and Gẹlẹdẹ masquerades, which honor ancestors through trance states and dance. Winning the prize provides affirmation for his early career, boosting confidence as he plans future projects. Onabolu aims to create more ambitious multi-channel video installations exploring circular time, presence, and consciousness, while incorporating tactile objects and engaging other senses like smell. He also intends to develop his photography and work with graphite and charcoal. The Aesthetica Art Prize exhibition runs at York Art Gallery until 25 January 2025. The prize remains open for entries.