Mohamed Salek, dit Doud Moura, Sultan du Ouadai. Fort Lamy 1931

Alexandre Jacovleff made this portrait of Mohamed Salek, also known as Doud Moura, Sultan of Ouadai, in Fort Lamy. It’s got this incredible mix of blues and earthy tones, right? It makes me think about how artists are always juggling what they see and what they feel. It’s all a big balancing act. Check out the texture of the turban, how the lines curve and fold around his head. Then, look at the dark blue jacket, almost like a deep ocean. The hands too, are so detailed. The way they are clasped together looks powerful. It's like a whole story is told, not just in the face, but in the hands as well. Jacovleff's work makes me think of Egon Schiele, especially the way they both use line to capture character. Ultimately, art is an ongoing conversation, each artist riffing off those who came before, while adding their own unique voice.