Olokun of the Galaxy Book

IT’S HERE! “Olokun of the Galaxy” is a poetry and visual arts book that tells the story of an African spirit of the deepest ocean. Olokun is born when Earth’s oceans are born, s/he witnesses the Atlantic Slave Trade, industrial revolution and pollution of the planet’s water, and, finally, s/he takes off into space to swim on other planets and moons of the Galaxy where there is water or liquid. Author and artist Esther Iverem developed this hardcover book, suitable for older children to the oldest adults, to accompany her series of award-winning Olokun figures that she creates from jeans and other reclaimed materials. She has exhibited these “pants dolls” since 2012, sold them at pop-up shops and online on this  website for her studio and through the studio shop on Etsy. Honoring indigenous water protectors and the Movement for Black Lives, some of these “pants dolls” wear medallions that read “Water is Life” and “Mni Micomi or carry small photos of African Americans such as Eric Garner or Miriam Carey killed by state violence. This series and book takes Olokun from this earthly home to other oceans in the universe—including the waters beneath the ice of Europa and the methane lakes of Titan. Olokun is an ancient and medaled hero and heroine, both matriarch and patriarch, a conduit for embrace, safety and regeneration. S/he is also protector of humanity, urging us to save and conserve our water, which is life. Click here for more info and for links to purchase.