June 6, 2023

Grace Ebert

All images © Mary Maka, shared with permission

Inspired by the short stories of the late Nigerian writer Amos Tutuola, Mary Maka illustrates woodland creatures with fantastical characteristics as part of her Endless Forest series. The Portugal-based artist has always been interested in mythology and nature, and after reading Tutuola’s works, she decided to render spirited animals that could plausibly emerge from the pages of his books.

Often hybrid in form, the beasts are based on unique fears. “Hunters gave names to the phenomena and creatures that were most frightening,” Maka says. “By giving them a name and endowing them with human qualities, the fear became less intense. Spirits that had names could now be allies and help in hunting and gathering.” This sentiment grounds her work as she translates each fear into vibrant colors, grainy textures, and playfully exaggerated features, which she hopes ameliorates panic and worry.

The digitally illustrated series began as an animation that is currently in progress. Keep an eye out for that, along with an upcoming poster release, on Behance and Instagram.

#animals#digital#mythology

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