Junior 2021

Curator: Monica Ikegwu's 2021 painting "Junior" is a powerful example of contemporary figurative work rendered in mixed media. My first impression is quite strong; the painting seems serene, yet a little haunting. The palette of cool blues and greens creates a muted almost ethereal atmosphere, enhanced by the soft folds behind the figure which create an angel wings allusion. What do you make of this? Editor: Haunting, yes, definitely an interesting take. I see how the implied wings and somewhat angelic treatment of the main figure would convey that idea. This portrait sits at an intersection of visibility and vulnerability that I find particularly relevant within the context of the continued struggle for Black representation. In today's media, there is often misrepresentation. I like how Ikegwu offers a counternarrative here. Curator: I agree, that feels insightful. Considering that counternarrative, what do you think is communicated through his holding his cell phone? Editor: Well, technology plays such a complex role. It can isolate, but it also connects and empowers marginalized communities. It provides a space to express counter-narratives in the face of injustice and provides direct access to news without any censorship from external sources. By focusing the light in the work onto the phone, Ikegwu seems to be using the phone as a symbol of access and, as he gazes upon it with that intent and vulnerable expression, as something quite personally essential. Curator: Yes, the luminous quality you've identified definitely elevates the phone to almost a symbolic object and considering institutional art history that generally overlooked Black men, seeing this modern everyday activity rendered so reverentially does resonate deeply. And of course the gentle glow from the device adds a visual focus, further emphasizing the weight of that single interaction in our ever-connected digital age. Editor: Precisely. Plus the words “You too...” featured prominently on his clothing really hit differently when considered as a conversation or declaration, which is open to diverse interpretations. Is the speaker responding or instigating? Who are the "you" and the "too" implicating here? I find the possibility of meaning generated from this piece exciting to see play out within its varied audiences. Curator: Indeed, this ambiguity further enriches Ikegwu's powerful exploration. Her insightful combination of formal art practices with the subject’s self-presentation raises compelling questions around identity, connection and the social framework which shapes our understanding of these portraits. Editor: I wholeheartedly agree. "Junior" leaves us contemplating not only the sitter's individual story but also the larger historical forces shaping how we perceive individuals within society.