Dark Night II 2018

Monica Ikegwu's 'Dark Night II' is a painting that sets a stage with deep blues and stark yellows, capturing a nocturnal scene. It's all about the paint here, thick and deliberate, especially in the architectural details in the background, where each dab feels like a conscious choice. This impasto-like approach gives the building a ghostly yet solid presence, looming over the figures below. The contrast between the textured background and the smoother treatment of the figures throws them into sharp relief. Check out the way Ikegwu handles the light; it's not just illumination, it's almost a character in itself. The glow from the car headlights seems to sculpt the air, giving the whole scene a slightly surreal edge. It reminds me a bit of Edward Hopper, but with a contemporary spin. I love how she isn’t trying to give you all the answers, letting the ambiguity linger in the shadows.