W Ta Shi – We Have Taken Our Sit 2022

Cornelius Annor painted 'W Ta Shi – We Have Taken Our Sit' with what looks like acrylic on canvas, and right away you're struck by the colors. They're not quite naturalistic, more like heightened or remembered hues. It's clear this is a painting about color as much as it is about the figures represented. Looking closely, the surfaces are smooth, but with subtle variations. Annor lets the paint do its thing, capturing the textures of daily life. Notice how the patterns on the fabrics almost vibrate against the muted tones of the walls behind the sitters. The colors feel both intimate and distant. There's a real push and pull. The painting feels so contemporary to me, but in its commitment to pattern and decoration, I can’t help but think of Matisse, who also wanted to make paintings that were as comfortable as an armchair. Like Matisse, Annor is showing us that painting is a conversation, and this canvas is a new, lively voice.