Zekiah x Destiny 2020

Monica Ikegwu’s painting of Zekiah and Destiny is executed with oil on canvas and the first thing that grabs you is the beautiful wash of blue. The way she’s handled the paint, it's almost like she's sculpting with color rather than just applying it. Look closely, and you’ll notice how the subtle shifts in tone create a kind of shimmering effect, especially in the way the jackets reflect the light. The process becomes really visible, each brushstroke building up to create the final image. I love the small details, like the highlights in their hair, and the texture of the leather, they add a real sense of depth and presence to the piece. It’s amazing how a limited palette can be so expressive. For me, Ikegwu’s work echoes the portraits of Barkley L. Hendricks. Both artists use color and composition to elevate their subjects, capturing a sense of confidence and self-possession. Like all great art, this piece invites you to linger, to question, and to find your own meaning within its layers.