Daily Paper and David Alabo Team up for Tarot-Inspired Capsule
Afrosurrealism in art.
In its pursuit of uniting global communities across borders, Daily Paper has teamed up with Ghanaian visual artist David Alabo on a limited-edition tarot-inspired capsule collection; joining its editorials photographed by Gabrielle Kannemeyer and Chakhani, as well its Van Gogh Museum collaboration for a Afrofuturism-themed Spring/Summer 2020.
Featuring Alabo’s abstract three-dimensional designs that are derived from a wacko and wondrous deconstruction of his understanding of African culture and society, we are presented with five T-shirts: “The Magician,” “The High Priestess,” “The Empress,” “The Emperor” and “The Hierophant.”
Daily Paper explains the symbolism of the Afrosurreal art:
The Magician‘s appearance is a sign of spiritual development. Now is a time in your life when you have the power to manifest the outcome you want. The skull with the infinity sign on top of it refers to the fact that life and death aren’t finite. Life does not end after death but goes on forever.
The High Priestess possesses intuition, mystery, and sensuality. She is mentally and physically scarred but has risen above these past events and looks inside at the prophecy of the future.
The Empress is a major sign of femininity and motherhood. With the black panther as a symbol for the embracement of the past, they walk with the ancestor. The ancestor will help you face the future with the guidance of the past. The empress is fierce, full of character and vicious but with grace. Her crown is portrayed in the background because the empress is not tied to her throne.
The Emperor is a sign of power and stubbornness. He is trapped in his own throne and is looking up to the world that was built by the people. With his black panthers guarding him at every move, he is the only one who can not see the emptiness that is his kingdom.
The Hierophant is a sign of tradition and guidance. The androgynous hierophant sees the reflections of itself in the mirror but is able to something else. It is open to interpretation and has a new look at the reality that we think we see.
Alabo further notes: “Daily Paper is dedicated to promoting African culture by honoring the past and its influence on their vision of the future. They push the boundaries and challenge the perception of Africa in the fashion world which is what I aim to achieve in the art world too. It just makes sense that we work together and inspire each other.”
Each T-shirt from the Daily Paper x David Alabo tarot-inspired SS20 capsule collection will cost you €60 EUR (approx. $66 USD), and can be purchased from the Amsterdam-based brand’s official website.
For more fashion news, Nipoaloha’s colorful loungewear pays homage to Japanese artist Itō Jakuchū.
