In the world of NFT art, there is so much attention put on the now: What are you minting? What are you buying? What are people talking about right now, and is there enough time to jump on it? What will be your legacy? With so much noise, it is refreshing to find works that capture the essence of timelessness and transformation.
Through a fusion of music, visual art, traditional African elements, and modern technology, Kush Nubia returns to Mint Gold Dust to create a multidimensional experience that explores themes of cyclical nature, mysticism, and Afrofuturism.
This is “Ageless Ashes.”
Virginia Valenzuela: Thank you for taking the time to talk to 79Au! We are really looking forward to your latest drop, “Ageless Ashes.” Can you tell us a little bit about the concept behind this series?
Kush Nubia: Thank you for having me, 79Au! I’m excited to share more about my latest project, “Ageless Ashes.” The concept behind this series is deeply rooted in the symbolic and cultural significance of ash across various traditions worldwide. Ash Wednesday in Christianity, for example, uses ashes to symbolize repentance and the fleeting nature of life, inspiring the introspective themes in “Ageless Ashes.” Cremation practices, especially the scattering of ashes, highlight transformation and the life-death cycle that emphasize rebirth and renewal.
Many African cultures use ash in ancestral rituals, reflecting a deep respect for heritage and lineage. This connection between past, present, and future is a key theme in my series. Similarly, the Hindu festival of Holi, which uses ash to symbolize the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring, influences the vibrant and hopeful aspects of “Ageless Ashes.”
Japanese Buddhist ceremonies, where incense ash signifies purification and remembrance, inspired the themes of purity and memory in my work. The Dayak people of Borneo use ash in their Tiwah rituals to cleanse and prepare the deceased for their final journey, echoing my exploration of transitions and new beginnings. The Celtic festival of Samhain, which uses ash for protection and purification, contributed to the narrative of cyclical time and safeguarding.
Lastly, many indigenous cultures incorporate ash in funeral rites to guide spirits, underpinning the spiritual undertones of “Ageless Ashes.” This series captures universal themes of transformation, remembrance, and renewal, creating a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and spiritual depth, all inspired by the diverse ways ash is used in ceremonies and practices around the world.
VV: Ashes are a really interesting substance. There are so many references to ashes in literature and culture, like “ashes to ashes, dust to dust,” “scatter the ashes,” and more. What was your entry point for wanting to use ashes for inspiration?
KN: My entry point for wanting to use ashes as inspiration came from a personal journey into studying my ancestry and understanding cultural practices around death and remembrance. This exploration revealed how ashes are used in various traditions to honor ancestors and the deceased, which deeply resonated with me.
Additionally, my family’s recent experiences with cremation brought a new understanding of how ashes can symbolize not just the end, but also the continuation of a journey. Unlike traditional burials that lock remains in the ground, cremation and the scattering of ashes allow for a sense of freedom and the belief that the spirit continues to travel. This perspective on the fluidity and liberation of the spirit through ashes became a pivotal inspiration for my project, “Ageless Ashes.” This series seeks to capture the transformative, commemorative, and liberating qualities of ashes, reflecting a tapestry of cultural heritage and spiritual depth.
VV: The artworks also play with gold. Can you tell me more about the role of gold in this series?
KN: Gold plays a significant role in the “Ageless Ashes” series, symbolizing both value and transformation. In many cultures, gold is associated with divinity, immortality, and purity. By incorporating gold into the artworks, I aim to highlight the preciousness of cultural heritage and the eternal nature of the human spirit.
The juxtaposition of gold with ashes creates a powerful contrast that speaks to the duality of life and death, loss and legacy. While ashes represent the end and transformation, gold symbolizes the enduring and unchanging. This interplay between gold and ash reflects the journey from one age to the next.
Additionally, gold is often used in art and artifacts that commemorate significant events and figures, much like how ashes are used in rituals to honor ancestors. By integrating gold into the “Ageless Ashes” series, I seek to elevate the narrative of remembrance and transformation to the future and new understandings
VV: There are a series of still images as well as some 3D works, and music is also an integral part of this collection. Are there any stylistic or conceptual differences between the still images and the 3D images?
KN: The 3D art is deeply rooted in Afrofuturism, blending traditional African aesthetics with futuristic elements. These pieces represent specific energies and dynamics, embodying a forward-looking vision that integrates technology, space, and advanced concepts with African cultural motifs. The 3D works are designed to evoke a sense of movement and progress, capturing the vibrant, transformative energies that propel us into the future. They serve as a bridge between the past and the future, illustrating how cultural heritage can inspire innovative and futuristic expressions.
On the other hand, the 2D still images focus more on mysticism and spirituality. These artworks delve into the realms of African spiritualism, exploring themes of ancestry, ritual, and the metaphysical. The 2D pieces are more introspective, often depicting symbolic and mystical elements that invite viewers to ponder deeper existential questions and the unseen forces that influence our lives. They aim to evoke a sense of wonder and reverence for the mystical aspects of African cultural traditions, highlighting the spiritual connections that transcend the physical world.
Together, the 3D and 2D artworks create a rich, multi-dimensional experience that celebrates both the tangible and intangible aspects of African culture. While the 3D works channel the energy and vision of Afrofuturism, the 2D images ground the collection in the timeless mysticism and spiritual depth of heritage.
VV: Let’s talk about the music. We’ve spoken before about your legacy as a DJ and how that inspires you both in your process and your end result. What mood, style, and themes were you exploring musically in “Ageless Ashes”?
KN: In “Ageless Ashes,” I aimed to create a cohesive experience where the artwork visually represents how the music sounds. The music is rooted in electronic genres, specifically Afro Tech House, Afro House and Amapiano, which perfectly align with the themes of Afrofuturism and mysticism present in the visual art.
Musically, I explored moods and styles that evoke both energy and introspection. Afro Tech House and Afro House bring in rhythmic, driving beats and futuristic sounds, capturing the essence of Afrofuturism with its innovative and forward-looking vibe. This matches the 3D art’s dynamic and energetic representation of specific energies and futuristic concepts.
Meanwhile, Amapiano incorporates traditional African rhythms and melodies, adding a layer of cultural depth and warmth to the music. This resonates with the 2D artworks that delve into spiritualism and mysticism, creating an introspective and meditative atmosphere.
Overall, the music in “Ageless Ashes” embodies a blend of modern electronic elements with rich Afro-centric influences, aiming to transport the listener through a journey of rhythm, culture, and spiritual reflection. By aligning the visual art with the music, I strive to offer an immersive experience that highlights the harmonious interplay between sound and sight, innovation and tradition, future and mysticism.
VV: I’m intrigued by the idea of ashes being ageless. I often think of ashes as something that comes at the end of something, either cremating one’s body at the end of their life, or a naturally occurring fire in nature that sets off the cycle of life. How do you think of ashes and what makes them ageless?
KN: That’s a fascinating perspective on ashes, and it resonates deeply with the themes explored in “Ageless Ashes.” To me, ashes symbolize both an end and a beginning. They mark the conclusion of a particular state of being, whether through cremation or the aftermath of a fire, but they also hold the potential for renewal and transformation.
Ashes are ageless because they represent a cycle that transcends time. In many cultures, ashes are used in rituals to honor ancestors, symbolizing a continuous link between the past, present, and future. This continuity imbues ashes with a timeless quality, as they are a part of an eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
In the context of “Ageless Ashes,” this concept is expressed through both the music and the visual art. The music, with its blend of Afro Tech House, Afro House and Amapiano, reflects this cyclical nature by merging traditional African elements with modern electronic sounds, creating a bridge between different eras and styles. Similarly, the 3D artworks embody Afrofuturism, envisioning a future deeply connected to cultural roots, while the 2D pieces delve into mysticism and spiritual continuity.
Ultimately, ashes are ageless because they are not confined to a single moment in time; they carry the essence of what was and the potential for what will be. This idea of transformation and enduring presence is what makes ashes such a powerful and timeless symbol in this collection.
“Ultimately, ashes are ageless because they are not confined to a single moment in time; they carry the essence of what was and the potential for what will be.”
“Ageless Ashes” offers a thought-provoking exploration of the multifaceted concept of transformation. Through its amalgamation of music and visual art, it delves into the timeless nature of ashes and their ability to bridge past, present, and future. This collection invites us to contemplate the cyclical nature of life and death, while also celebrating the enduring presence of our ancestors and their continued influence on our lives.
By embracing this concept, “Ageless Ashes” reminds us that we are all part of a greater cycle and encourages us to embrace our cultural roots in shaping our future. Through its poetic and introspective tone, this collection invites us to reflect on the profound significance of moving through life with an open mind that is ready to invite reflection, rest, and the wisdom that others have to offer.
