Kelechi x Ogechi 2021

Monica Ikegwu painted "Kelechi x Ogechi," a portrait that feels both timeless and deeply personal, likely using oils to achieve its luminosity. There’s a quiet intensity to the way Ikegwu handles paint. The brown tones, from the background to the subjects' clothing, are rich and subtle, creating a warm, enveloping atmosphere. I’m drawn to the way the light catches the surface of the figures faces, the subtle gradations hinting at underlying structures and bone. It's a really interesting treatment, using light and shadow to build form rather than relying on bold color contrasts. Look closely at the flowers they hold; each petal seems carefully considered, rendered with a delicate touch that contrasts with the more solid rendering of the figures. It’s like Ikegwu is reminding us of the fragile beauty of the everyday, and how paying attention to detail can reveal hidden depths. I am reminded of Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, another artist who captures the quiet dignity of Black figures in her work. Both artists invite us into their subjects' worlds, offering a glimpse of their humanity.