Bandana Girl 1 2018

Monica Ikegwu created “Bandana Girl 1” using oil on canvas, a traditional pairing that stretches back centuries. But look closely, and you’ll see that the way she applies the paint is anything but conventional. Ikegwu has an amazing ability to capture skin tones. The surface of the canvas becomes a play of light, with the figure emerging from a deep blue ground. See how she balances realism with the flat, patterned backdrop, which creates a subtle tension. And of course, the bandana itself – a humble piece of cotton, printed with a design now laden with cultural associations. The artist's hand is evident in every brushstroke. In a world saturated with digital imagery, Ikegwu reminds us of the power of direct, skillful engagement with materials. She invites us to consider not only what we see, but how it was made.