Red 3 2021

Monica Ikegwu made this compelling portrait, Red 3, using oil paint. The choice of this medium invites us to consider both the history of portraiture, and its contemporary relevance. Look closely, and you’ll notice how the monochrome red unifies the figure and ground. The artist employs smooth gradients to model form, while the glossy lips add a captivating focal point. Oil paint has a long tradition and is associated with skilled craftsmanship. Ikegwu plays with this expectation. Despite the familiar medium, Red 3 speaks to our time. This painting shows the rich possibilities that can arise when artists engage with both historical techniques and current social realities, ultimately questioning the boundaries between craft and fine art.