WAKANDA FOREVER Culture Portrait | Back Story + Symbolism
A tribute to Black Panther
THE BACK STORY
Wakanda Forever: the 4th in the Culture Portrait Series
Coming soon!
Live Painting
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THE SYMBOLISM
Black Panther reunites with his love in the town square.
Wakandan tribes are on the side of the mountain. M'Baku is outside the arm/ estranged from them.
Panther duels with M'Baku for his father's crown and seat on the throne.
Black Panther speaks with his father in the afterlife.
Kilmonger's back story is located on the right side of the painting. His mask, a reward for criminal activity, was one of my favorite parts to paint. The story also shows his father being killed and Kilmonger, as a child, finding his murdered father.
Right behind Black Panther on the throne, is Kilmonger, full of rage, burning the precious purple flowers that give Black Panther his power. This scene reminds me of an African proverb visually: "The youth, if not initiated into the tribe, will burn down the village just to feel its warmth."
These final two details depict the final battle for the throne and, finally, Black Panther on his throne set to lead Wakanda to victory and prosperity.
Learn about other Culture Portraits, their Back Stories & Symbolism