afro.died, T. 2011

Rozeal, formerly known as Iona Rozeal Brown, made this large painting, afro.died, T., with luscious colour and a direct, confident approach to the figure. I love how the mix of thin washes and thicker application of colour create a real material presence, like the figure is emerging out of the canvas. Look at that green robe, the way it’s been painted, it almost feels sculptural. And the skin tones! The contrast with the blonde hair, the red lips, this piece is all about colour. Then you have the tattoo detail on the leg. How is that even possible? The level of control required to make those marks… And the text in the background, which looks like it was made with tiny brushes, incredible! Rozeal references multiple art historical sources in this work, in particular, the Japanese woodblock prints of artists such as Utamaro, or Harunobu, where flatness of form and colour are prized. But, of course, Rozeal brings her own story to the mix, it's a cultural remix, it’s vibrant and alive.