Don’t dim my lights I 2019

Monica Ikegwu's "Don't dim my lights I" presents us with the portrait of a woman, bathed in vibrant orange hues, adjusting her sunglasses. The sunglasses, a modern symbol of both protection and cool detachment, obscure her eyes, inviting us to ponder the gaze, and what it means to be seen. Consider how the act of shielding the eyes can be traced back to ancient practices of veiling, intended to protect against the evil eye, a potent symbol of envy and malice across cultures. Here, the sunglasses perform a similar function, guarding against unseen forces. The color orange floods the canvas, evoking warmth and energy, but also caution. It’s a color associated with both the sun and fire, life-giving but also potentially destructive. The woman’s upward gaze implies aspirations and dreams, but the title serves as a stark warning, perhaps echoing the universal desire to remain visible, to not be diminished by forces beyond our control. The act of defiance is what transcends the painting, reminding us that symbols never truly disappear; they evolve, resurface, and take on new meanings.