Closed 2022

Monica Ikegwu's 2022 painting "Closed" features a young woman against a vibrant red background. The subject wears a long, red puffer jacket, the folds and textures of which are rendered with striking realism. Her dark skin and intense gaze, accentuated by the bold use of color, suggest a sense of strength and confidence. Ikegwu's work often explores themes of identity and self-expression, and "Closed" can be interpreted as a portrait of a woman asserting her individuality and agency.