“The Beautyful Ones” Series #5 2016

Njideka Akunyili Crosby’s “The Beautyful Ones” Series #5 (2016) is a mixed-media work on canvas that exemplifies the artist’s signature style. The painting features a young girl seated on a colorful, patterned surface, her dress adorned with similar motifs. The background incorporates elements like a chalkboard with the phrase “quick brown fox jumps over lazy dog”, a collage of fabrics and patterns, and even a framed image of a woman. This intricate layering of elements highlights themes of identity, cultural memory, and the complexities of modern Nigerian life. Akunyili Crosby’s work is known for its skillful blend of realism and abstraction, creating captivating visual narratives that speak to both the individual and the collective experience.