Tabitha 2022

Monica Ikegwu's 'Tabitha' is a captivating portrait, skillfully rendered in oil paint. The artist's meticulous approach allows her to build up layers of color, creating a lifelike and luminous surface. But it is not just the surface beauty that commands attention, it is the artist's engagement with the conventions of portraiture. Notice how Ikegwu uses these traditions to frame Tabitha in a way that acknowledges her individuality. The smooth, controlled application of paint contrasts with the subject’s dynamic pose and expressive features. Look closely, and you can see the artist's engagement with realism, balanced by modern color choices. Ikegwu brings the technical skill associated with ‘high art’ to a contemporary subject, bridging the gap between tradition and the here-and-now. It prompts us to think about the way art can serve as a means to reclaim and celebrate identity. Ultimately, 'Tabitha' invites us to reconsider what we value in art and how we define beauty.