Abusua Nhyiamu 2021

Cornelius Annor made this painting called Abusua Nhyiamu and right away I’m struck by the directness of the colour, how confident and unapologetic it is. This is the kind of painting that isn't afraid to let its process show, you know? Take a closer look at the figure in the pink shirt. See how the paint seems almost scrubbed onto the surface, especially in the background, with all those loose, gestural marks? It gives the painting a sense of immediacy, like Annor is trying to capture a fleeting moment. The textures throughout the piece, from the smooth flatness of the door to the patterned fabric, create a rich visual experience. The paint is mostly opaque, laid down in flat planes to define the forms. It's a conversation between abstraction and representation, where the physicality of the medium is as important as the image itself. It reminds me a bit of Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, who also embraces the ambiguity of paint to create evocative portraits. It's this ongoing exchange of ideas, where each artist brings their unique perspective.