The artwork series “Yemaya: Mother of All”, by Cary Michael is a continuation of the “Sethemba: Man of Tomorrow” artwork series that introduces a heroine into the storyline as Sethemba’s supporting cast and one of his principal love interests. Each masterpiece within this series features the fictional superhero that Cary Michael created named “Yemaya” (Yoruba word meaning “mother of all”) takes the form of a dragonfly who represents fertility and serves as the Queen of Nature and Goddess of Energy ruling over the seas, rivers and lakes. Her name, a shortened version of “Yey Omo Eja”, means “Mother Whose Children are the Fish” to reflect the fact that her children are so numerous that they are uncountable, and she has been summoned to protect her “children” (humankind) by promoting healing and wholeness – from physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of human experience. As the dragonfly symbolizes change, transformation, adaptability and self-realization, this series documents Yemaya’s evolution from a Nymph (immature form of an insect) to being metamorphosed into a beautiful and mystical adult dragonfly, bearing attributes such as superhuman physical strength and magical power to control energy and water, which is indicative by the change in her eye and hair color. Like superhero comics and movies, the artwork in this series progresses to include slight variances in style and drastic portrayals of Yemaya’s appearance, while the essence of Yemaya and her story remains stagnant. As this is an ongoing series, it is my “hope” that viewers of these works can depict Yemaya as a role model figure, view themselves in her shoes, and acquire a deep sense of healing and wholeness, while relating to her continued quest to promote social change and understand the deeper meaning of life.

Shop the YEMAYA: MOTHER OF ALL collection here.