The Ancient City of Benin Concept Art

Benin kingdom landscape painting

Remnants Of An Old Civilization In a new world

The Kingdom of Benin

BENIN CITY CONCEPT DESIGN

Kingdom of Benin Shrine

Mist Warrior Village of Abomey

The Benin Kingdom

Hamid Ibrahim is a creative leader and innovator who is changing the face of African storytelling. He is the co-founder and creative director of Kugali Media, a visual entertainment company that creates stories inspired by African culture. Kugali is the first African company to partner with Disney
Animation to create Iwaju series on Disney TV.

As an artist, Femi explores classic and stunning storytelling. He is capable of evoking nostalgic feelings and taking his viewers on a journey of visual pleasure using his unique stylised paintings, which employ acrylic, oil, charcoal, and pastel mediums. He portrays his love for vintage art by fusing antique objects into everyday scenarios in dramatic and sometimes amusing ways. Femi is presenting the Senior Art Director at playhouse communications in Lagos Nigeria.
His paintings has been shown in Africa, America and Europe. He is at the moment represented by Insofar art gallery in Lisbon Portugal and The Camp gallery Miami Florida, USA.

Executive Creative Director at Framestore London and a Director at Framestore Pictures, our production arm.
Murray started his career as an artist at Framestore in London before leaving the UK to co-found the company's New York office.
He has won awards in both the UK and the US for his Visual Effects work. In the past few years he has focused on Framestore's creative output, working closely with the creative directors and VFX teams in the US and UK. He returned to London in 2021.
As a Director and an ECD who brings his expertise in VFX to complex storytelling, Murray is a collaborative problem solver who thrives when finding technical solutions to creative challenges, regardless of medium, ranging from model-making and miniatures , virtual production to fully CG projects. He brings equal enthusiasm to imagining Dinosaurs in the UN general assembly as he does to working with celebrity talent like Tom Holland or Rowan Atkinson.
Most recently, Butler directed action-packed, stunt-heavy, sci-fi adventure for Dell’s Alienware, and reimagined the Greek god of the sea Poseidon for Kohler. On the back of the Grand-Prix winning Sheba campaign he was recently ranked in the Top ten of directors in the 2022 Lions Creativity report.

1st place

2nd place

3rd place

<h4>Environment Designs</h4>
<ul>
<li>Specifications: High-resolution completed environment designs.</li>
<li>Dimensions: 1,920px on the longest edge. The width should be 1,920px or more for landscape-oriented designs, and the height should be 1,920px or more for portrait-oriented designs.</li>
<li>Content: Designs should capture the mood, architecture, and cultural significance of the Benin Kingdom. Consider factors like camera angle, color palette, lighting, depth-of-field, and atmospheric effects.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Callout Sheets</h4>
<ul>
<li>Specifications: High-resolution completed callout sheets.</li>
<li>Dimensions: 1,920px on the longest edge. For landscape-orientedsheets, the width should be 1,920px or more. For portrait-oriented sheets, the height should be 1,920px or more.</li>
<li>Content: Each sheet should break down the individual elements present in the corresponding rendered environment concept. This includes architectural features, decorative elements, natural features, and any other significant components.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Work-in-Progress Artwork</h4>
<ul>
<li>Content: This should showcase the evolution of your entry. It provides a behind-the-scenes look into your creative process and design journey.</li>
<li>Inclusions: Silhouettes: Initial shapes and forms that guided your design.</li>
<li>Sketches: Preliminary drawings before finalizing the design.</li>
<li>Progress Shots: Various stages of your artwork, showing theprogression from the initial concept to the final piece.</li>
</ul>

Deliverables

<ul>
<li>Only individual artists are eligible; submissions from studios or companies will not be accepted.</li>
<li>Artwork should be in .jpg format and must not exceed 5MB in size.</li>
<li>Participants are limited to a single entry. Multiple submissions will</li>
</ul>
lead to disqualification. (Refer to the submission process below
for details.)

Submission Guidelines

<ul>
<li>Historical and Architectural Authenticity: The artwork should resonate with the historical essence and architectural nuances of the Benin Kingdom.</li>
<li>Artistic Creativity and Originality: The artwork should showcase a unique interpretation and re-imagination of the Benin Kingdom.</li>
<li>Detail and Precision in Callout Sheets: Callout sheets should be meticulously detailed, breaking down each element of the rendered environment. They should serve as a comprehensive guide for understanding and recreating the environment in 3D.</li>
<li>Mood and Atmospheric Representation: The rendered environments should effectively convey the intended mood and atmosphere. Factors like lighting, depth-of-field, and colour palette should be used to evoke specific emotions and ambiance.</li>
<li>Narrative and Composition: The environments should not just be visually appealing but should also narrate a story, drawing the viewer into the ancient world of the Benin Kingdom.</li>
</ul>

Judging Criteria

<ul>
<li>Artists must base their work on the character description.</li>
<li>Entries must be new artworks specifically made for the challenge and cannot be based on the works of another artist or film, TV, or game projects.</li>
</ul>

Original Artwork

<ul>
<li>Artists participating in this competition must be members of CGAfrica.com. Registration on CGAfrica.com is free.</li>
<li>Artists participating in the competition must subscribe to our social media platforms.</li>
<li>Entry is limited to individual artists; therefore team/studio/group entries are not eligible.</li>
<li>This competition is open to African artists of all ages.</li>
</ul>

Eligibility

<a href="https://www.framestore.com/" target="_self">Framestore</a>, a powerhouse in visual effects and creative content, is no stranger to imagination and creativity. By sponsoring the CGAfrica Competition 2022, Framestore reinforces its commitment to supporting emerging talents and celebrating the intersection of technology and art.

Foundry software has been integral to the making of every VFX Academy Award-winning film for the past decade. The company has been recognized and honoured at the highest level in the industry, including four Academy Sci-Tech Awards for Mari, Katana, Nuke, and Furnace, two HPA Engineering Excellence awards for Flix and Nuke, respectively, and an Engineering Emmy for Nuke.

Participants are required to ensure that their design submissions do not infringe upon any existing intellectual property rights. Entries that infringe upon or violate the rights of any third-party intellectual property will be disqualified from the challenge.

Please note that failure to comply with these terms and conditions may result in disqualification from the challenge and/or the removal of submitted entries.

This challenge is exclusively for individual participants. Team submissions will not be accepted or considered eligible for participation.
Each entry must be the sole work and effort of an individual participant.

Participation as a Team

By participating in this competition and submitting artwork, participants acknowledge and agree that all submitted entries become the property of CGAfrica.
CGAfrica retains the right to use, reproduce, display, modify, and distribute the submitted artwork for promotional, marketing, or any other purposes related to the competition, without requiring further consent or compensation to the participant.
Participants maintain the right to be identified as the creators of their artwork. However, CGAfrica reserves the right to display or modify the artwork without necessarily attributing credit to the participant, if deemed necessary for promotional or display purposes.
Participants also acknowledge that the submitted artwork may be featured on CGAfrica's platforms, websites, social media channels, or any other media associated with CGAfrica, with no expectation of additional compensation beyond the prizes outlined for the competition.
Participants retain the right to showcase their artwork in personal portfolios or galleries, provided it does not conflict with any of the rights granted to CGAfrica.
This provision regarding ownership of submitted artwork shall remain in effect irrespective of the participant's status in the competition, including disqualification or withdrawal of the entry.

Ownership of Submitted Artwork

Please be aware that a service charge, amounting to a maximum of 15% of the competition prizes, will be deducted by Bank and CGAfrica. This charge covers bank charges incurred.
Participants are advised that, upon winning a prize in this competition, CGAfrica will deduct a service charge, not exceeding 15% of the awarded prize value, before disbursing the prize amount. This deduction is standard procedure and is detailed in the competition terms and conditions.
We encourage participants to carefully review the terms and conditions to understand the specifics regarding the service charge and its application to the competition prizes. Failure to comply with these terms may result in disqualification or removal of submitted entries.
For any clarifications or queries regarding the service charge, participants are welcome to reach out to CGAfrica for further information."

Service Charge on Competition Prizes - Up to 15% Applies.

Please note that failure to comply with these terms and conditions may result in disqualification from the challenge and/or the removal of submitted entries.

Endnote

The Coronation

A glimpse into my reimagination of Benin Kingdom

Benin City

<h2>The Ancient Civilization of Benin Kingdom - 2D Environment Design</h2>
The legacy of the Benin Kingdom, a beacon of African heritage, has inspired generations with its rich history, intricate art, and impressive urban planning. This competition seeks to celebrate and reinterpret the essence of the Benin Kingdom through innovative environmental design. Entrants are invited to draw inspiration from the kingdom’s history and architecture to create designs that resonate with both the past and the present.
<h2>Brief History of the Benin Kingdom</h2>
The Benin Kingdom, located in present-day southern Nigeria, thrivedbetween the 11th and 19th centuries. Originally under the Ogiso dynasty, the kingdom’s real consolidation began with the Oba dynasty in the 12th century. Oba Ewuare, reigning in the late 14th century, is credited with initiating the kingdom’s golden age, marked by territorial expansion, administrative reforms, and cultural flourishing. The Oba, a title for the king, was both a political and religious figure, believed to be a descendant of the god Osanobua.
The kingdom’s contact with Europeans, starting with the Portuguese in the 15th century, led to trade and, eventually, to its colonization by the British in the late 19th century.
<h3>Reference links</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Benin" target="_self">Link 01</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=ancient+benin+kingdom+architecture&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwiF86GSn-WGAxXbdqQEHbLzBTQQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=ancient+benin+kingdom+architecture&gs_lp=EgNpbWciImFuY2llbnQgYmVuaW4ga2luZ2RvbSBhcmNoaXRlY3R1cmVIgxZQogpYmhRwAHgAkAEAmAH_AqABkQiqAQc3LjEuMC4xuAEDyAEA-AEBigILZ3dzLXdpei1pbWfCAgoQABiABBhDGIoFiAYB&sclient=img&ei=oIlxZoWjK9vtkdUPsueXoAM&bih=1567&biw=3070&hl=en" target="_self">Link 02</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>The Architecture of Benin Kingdom</h2>
Benin City, the heart of the kingdom, was an architectural marvel. Wide streets, intricate walls, and moats showcased the kingdom’s urban planning prowess.
The walls of Benin, constructed over several centuries, were once considered the world’s largest pre-mechanical era earthworks. The royal palace, adorned with the famous Benin Bronzes, stood as a testament to the kingdom’s artistic and architectural brilliance.
<h3>See links:</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benin_Moat" target="_self">Link 03: Benin Moat</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Objectives</h2>
<h3>Environment Design</h3>
Create a fully rendered 2D environment concept that capture the mood,
architecture, and cultural significance of the Benin Kingdom. Consider
factors like camera angle, colour palette, lighting, depth-of-field, and
atmospheric effects to convey the ambiance and emotion of each space.
<h3>Callout Sheet</h3>
For each environment, produce a callout sheet that breaks down theindividual elements present in the rendered concept. This should include architectural features, decorative elements, natural features, and any other significant components. The callout sheet will serve as a blueprint for modelling and further development should be detailed enough to guide an art team in recreating your vision.
<a href="https://1drv.ms/b/s!Aswy-SSDnuxWwO9tQKFLFU3brQiuww?e=oUYfdt" target="_blank">Download Example of What Your Submission Should Look Like </a> 

<h2>Guidelines</h2>
<h3>Historical Accuracy</h3>
While you have the creative freedom to interpret and re imagine, your designs should be rooted in the historical and architectural essence of the Benin Kingdom. Research the kingdom’s urban planning, religious structures, and the iconic Benin Bronzes for inspiration.
<h3>Mood and Atmosphere</h3>
The Benin Kingdom was known for its intricate societal structures and spectral significance. Your environment should reflect this, be it a bustling market square, residential huts, the grandeur of the royal palace etc.
<h3>Detailing</h3>
The Benin Kingdom was renowned for its artistry. Incorporate intricate patterns, motifs, and designs that echo the craftsmanship of the era.
<h3>Sustainability</h3>
While the challenge is rooted in history, consider incorporating elements that hint at sustainable practices

CGAfrica 2D Competition 2024: The Ancient Civilization of Benin Kingdom Sponsored by Framestore

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 CGAfrica 2D Competition 2024: The Ancient Civilization of Benin Kingdom Sponsored by Framestore | Competition

The hidden village of the warriors of the mist of the kingdom of Abomey, was born from an idea combining the real territory of Abomey with that of African fantastic heroic stories. 
I wanted to preserve reality and add an epic side to it based on the true art of West Africa.

This design is centred on a Mixed-use institutional building concept that resonates both the past, the present and the future (including properties of the Ancient Benin ranging from layout to materials and motif; thereby creating scenes that retains culture admist modernity.

Using a 3d reference of the city I modelled in Blender, I painted scenes of the palace, city, market and palace gates. I derived alot of my inspiration from African and Ancient North African architecture as well as used historical patterns and motifs from the Benin Kingdom itself.  Incorporating the bird and snake motifs, I placed a bird on the doors of the palace/ The King is placed on top a hill in the center of Benin city over the lower and middle class and kingdom soldiers on the outer rings

Hi everyone, 
I present to you my concept for a shrine in Benin Kingdom with some story of a dying Noble or King. 
Diving into Benin history and architecture was really fun. This is my second time try to make a concept from West Africa, one thing I noticed, unlike us in East/North Africa where we have been influenced from outside of Africa, it seems like West Africa has little influence from outsiders and the architecture/styles here are more pure which really cool!
I hope you like it

A wide angle view of the kingdom that demonstrates the intricate structural design of the ancient Benin kingdom either inside or outside of the great walls, also a depiction of different architectural structures based on the needs of the citizens such as markets, temples, food storage infrastructures and resident neighborhoods plus also a unique depiction of the Benin moats right in front of the palace.

A 2D illustration of the entrance to the Oba's Palace in ancient Benin.

Ancient Benin Kingdom

I'm really fascinated by futuristic things especially solarpunk architecture, so I thought this would really fit in my idea of recreating a kingdom, it was still important for me to remember the most important elements. In my rendered image there are bronze houses and bronze statues, there's also three statues of the Oba [king] and three other warriors. I also made it a floating island with waterfalls on the sides, there's also the great wall that surrounded the kingdom and the royal palace.

with this piece I wanted to highlight the two significant aspects of ancient benin kingdom, which are the benin wall and benin bronze work.
the idea was to capture the majestic grandeur of the popular ancient benin wall, and at the same time capture the beauty of the benin broze works.
wanted to paint a "snap-shot" in time that is the coronation of the oba of benin to try and capture the essense of the benin kingdom in terms of its people, culture and architectural beauty.

In my Illustration, I tried to Re-Imagine the Iconic building structure and techniques used by the Benin people...By trying to Imagine how it would look in the current day Africa...If the culture wasn't diluted. The sense of community that Africa as a continent has was clearly well portrayed by the kingdom. With its social hierarchy, Benin was a cultural phenomenon. That help push the values of African people as a valuable trading partner to the Portuguese and others before colonization.

This illustration shows the King of Dahomey sitting on his throne and admiring the architecture and beauty of his Kingdom.

La contemplation d'OBA

I have really enjoyed doing this art piece from learning about the architecture and the history of the Kingdom , attaining New techniques and understanding our continent in a new prospective so this piece is a way of showing how I see the Kingdom and how I would have drawn it if I were the explorers

Explore Benin beauty

A birds eye view of the Ancient City of Benin, depicting the Architectural marvel that was synonymous with the Kingdom. 
This concept depicts a golden hour time  with rich colors and atmosphere that is grand capturing the mood of a prosperous kingdom.
The Artwork has a mix of ancient architecture with twists of Modernity like The Bridge leading to the Entrance of the kingdom.
I have broken down the main features I came up with  while making the concept on the Reference Tab, with WIPs.

The kingdom of Benin was known for its amazing statues, scenery and colorful design elements many of which remain to this day. This artwork tries to capture that beauty, ranging from the bronze and stone statues to the grandeur of the huts of the royal guards tasked solely with protecting the king. This piece also shows the entrance into the royal palace from the compounds of the guards, the rich geological rock formations found in Benin and the moats encircling the kingdom.

"The Quiet Chief", as Obagmodo was Called was  responsible for maintaining the functionality of the Bronze sculptors guild. 
His compound is located far south towards the final gates of the city.  
It is common to find artworks, replicas and brass relief sculpts similar to the Oba's Palace within his residence before it is being 
transported for installation. Here is a view of his compound from the wall of the Oba's palace.

Project Design Brief

Viewing Benin kingdom landscape from an ancient man's perspective.

Ancient Benin kingdom

This artwork shows the Benin in a colorful way. The king, who only shows himself once a year, is seen riding on horseback led by a soldier.  The people are gathered to see their king around the castle gates. There are musicians who are rejoicing in the kings presence. The kings castle is surrounded by walls with intricate, ancient designs. There is a market place to the left selling Benin's rich natural resources such as palm oil in bottles and spices.  The houses are made of clay and straw.

Ancient Civilization of Benin Kingdom

This imaginative drawing depicts the ancient Beni city, highlighting traditional architecture and social divisions. The labeled "conjection" and walls illustrate how physical barriers separated different social classes within the community.

imagination of the ancient Beni kingdom

A 2D landscape design of a combination of modern and traditional Benin Kingdom

BENIN KINGDOM

A 2D drawing of the ancient kingdom of Benin

Benin Kingdom

Alchemy, Gold, Mathematics, Astrophysics and intricate Gold artefacts were all part and parcel of the 12th century Benin. I believe that as an Artivist who creates Art to raise awareness about social issues within the African diaspora and how those issues resonate to the rest of the world, it is important to filter out and focus on the wealth of Gold & Fauna that 12th century Benin thrived on, thus the Gold Rhino which can also be traced in Mapungubwe.

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