We Outside 2021

Editor: We're looking at "We Outside," a 2021 painting by Monica Ikegwu, rendered in acrylic. The figures set against a city street at night are so striking. What strikes me most is the balance between the intimate portrayal of the individuals and the stark, almost unsettling urban landscape. How do you interpret this work? Curator: What I see here is an engagement with contemporary portraiture’s role in constructing identity, specifically within urban Black communities. Consider the title, "We Outside." It suggests a claiming of public space, a visual assertion of presence. This narrative-art resists the historical marginalization of Black figures in both art historical representation and physical space, yes? Editor: Yes, absolutely. The artist positions her subjects in a specific time and place, creating a moment and story. The landscape feels incredibly relevant here. Curator: Right. The cityscape, bathed in that intense red glow, functions as more than just a backdrop. Think about the visual vocabulary being deployed, here; how are urban environments depicted and how does the location underscore broader themes of belonging, visibility, and the complex negotiations of identity in public? The setting, for all its realism, takes on a symbolic dimension. Do you agree? Editor: That makes a lot of sense! I didn’t initially think about the active claiming of public space, and how that speaks to socio-political realities. The use of this particular background transforms the piece entirely, creating a distinct meaning. Curator: Indeed. Reflect on Ikegwu’s contribution to the ongoing dialogue surrounding representation, power, and space in contemporary art. A piece such as this is very indicative of how far this discourse has come in recent times. Editor: Thank you, this was very informative. I’m now more aware of the significance of representation in contemporary works like this!