ESSENCE: Works from the 2023 Senior Concentration Seminar
Personal Statement
“My work delves into African American culture and identity, with a focus on celebrating Black individuals through portraiture. I am surrounded by people who look like me, and I aim to showcase them in a new light, capturing the emotions and expressions of a specific moment. Using oil paint as my primary medium allows me to create a vivid and vivacious appearance, and I often use a saturated color palette to intensify the image, reflecting the richness and vibrancy I want to convey.
———
Many of the subjects I paint are relatives or close friends who have shaped my life in meaningful ways. I like to incorporate elements from my personal background, whether it's the individuals themselves or the materials I use for the background. I often select textiles with designs or patterns that resonate with me culturally. Wrapping the canvas with fabric, I love how the texture interacts with the paint, holding each brushstroke in place. Initially, I used fabrics my mom had from Nigeria or ones I found around the house, allowing me to weave my heritage into the art I create. From there, I began choosing fabrics that I felt aligned with the individuals I wanted to paint.
———
In my recent works, I focused on creating three distinct yet complementary portraits of women. I am drawn to painting women, as their photos often exude emotion through facial expressions or hand placements that feel suggestive, striking, or deeply meaningful. Black women hold particular significance for me, and I strive to honor their uniqueness through detailed, realistic depictions that emphasize the care and effort invested in portraying their individuality. By matching fabrics to the identity of each subject—people I know personally—I have the freedom to celebrate the beauty of Blackness in its essence, continuing my exploration of this theme through my work."
