Red 3 2021

Monica Ikegwu’s “Red 3” (2021) is a striking portrait rendered in a bold, graphic style. The subject, a young woman with dark curly hair, is portrayed against a vivid red background, which intensifies the focus on her expressive face. Her wide, startled eyes and parted lips suggest a moment of heightened emotion, creating a sense of drama and immediacy. Ikegwu’s use of contrasting light and shadow, particularly in the subject's eyes and lips, adds depth and dimension to the portrait.