In his compelling fine art photo series titled Ẹ̀mí Àtijọ́, Lagos-based creative director and photographer Michael Polycarp—known as June Montage—brings the foundational history of Oba Orhogbua of Benin to life, drawing directly from the deep-rooted history of Eko. Working from Ikeja, Lagos State, the creative lead at June Montage built the project around the profound historical narrative of how the Oba conquered a pepper field and envisioned the rise of the city. Rather than relying on distant or abstract framing, the series pulls the viewer immediately into the grit and grandeur of the story, channeling the conceptual core that a king is remembered for what he saw.
The striking centerpiece portrait features model Victor Chibuike (@victor_chibuike_) framed by a tight, symmetrical cage of hands, all adorned with rich, deep-red coral beads that encircle the head. The visual impact relies on a raw, tactile contrast between the smooth, polished crimson beads and the warm, grounded texture of the subject's skin. Shot using Canon equipment supplied by @canoncnafrica, the composition uses controlled, dramatic studio lighting to carve out the precise contours of the face and hands, capturing sharp, deliberate details reflected right within the subject's eyes.
Bringing this intricate visual world together required a dedicated collaborative effort behind the lens. The historical styling was meticulously executed by Eda Royals (@styledby_edaroyals), whose wardrobe choices anchor the project in authentic West African regalia, with production and staging assistance provided by @iamhigh_jay. Every element of the shoot was carefully orchestrated to ensure the final frames moved beyond simple portraiture, transforming into a living, breathing archive of ancestral heritage.
This ambitious project anchors Michael’s broader commitment to indigenous storytelling, tying directly into his personal creative works that examine traditional mythology and cultural identity. Outside of his fine art practice, he manages brand strategy, photography, and campaign execution for major commercial clients through June Studio, while also mentoring aspiring creatives via his educational design course, The Cheat Code. Through a seamless blend of collaborative teamwork, commercial expertise, and deep cultural reverence, Michael continues to redefine the boundaries of West African modern photography.
