Solomon Omogboye is a contemporary Nigerian artist who lives in South Africa. His paintings are mainly portrait based and the concepts within his work revolve around faith and African identity. What I particularly enjoy about Omogboye’s work are the mediums that he uses, the charcoal adds intensity and emotion to the painting. Furthermore, this could emphasise on the idea that prayer can be an intense and emotional act to do; the facial expressions also highlight this. The composition of this painting is another interesting aspect, as we can see Omogboye has grouped everyone together. I believe this showcases the unity of the saints and the importance of gathering together to pray. As a Christian, I do highly appreciate the works of Solomon Omogboye as it is a constant reminder of my faith. It helps me to remember that we should never cease to pray even if circumstances are good or bad.
Joy Labinjo is a British Nigerian artist who is based in the city of London. She is mainly known for her figurative paintings which revolve around the themes of black identity, family, political voice and history. This painting is called “wash day” and the main reason on why I was drawn to it, is because of the connections it has to my childhood. Being a black woman, it hasn’t always been easy to manage my afro textured hair. That being said, when I was a child I would mostly dread my mother washing my hair because the process would always consist of knots, tangles and tears. However, I do appreciate how Labinjo’s painting brings a sense of nostalgia not only to myself but to many other black girls who have had their hair washed and styled by their mothers. The use of the colour blue for the background can represent calmness and could maybe even suggest that the girl in this painting is trying to remain calm whilst her mother is doing her hair.
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