Dez 2021

Monica Ikegwu painted "Dez," a portrait of a young Black woman, sometime after 1998. As a contemporary artist, Ikegwu navigates a world where identity and representation are both deeply personal and intensely scrutinized. The thoughtful gaze of the subject invites us into a dialogue about beauty, self-possession, and the nuanced experience of Black womanhood. The bright sunflower contrasts with the melancholy in her eyes. It symbolizes strength, longevity, and the capacity for growth which perhaps speaks to the artist’s hopes for her subject. The intimate details of her afro hairstyle and jewelry, contrast with the simple pink background, blending traditional portraiture with modern sensibilities. In "Dez," Ikegwu offers not just a likeness, but an assertion of presence, resilience, and the quiet power inherent in simply being seen. We are invited to reflect on the narratives we project onto others, and the importance of honoring individual stories.