Lost Happiness 2021

Cornelius Annor made this painting, Lost Happiness, using acrylics on canvas, and what strikes me most is its directness; the marks feel immediate, like seeing the artist think. Look at the surface, how the paint isn’t trying to hide itself or become something else. It’s just paint doing its thing. The man in the suit, he's like a patchwork of golden hues and raw canvas, all these loosely defined marks that suggest light, shadow, and maybe a bit of anxiety? There’s a lack of blending that gives this painting its edge. It reminds me of some of the color choices in Lynette Yiadom-Boakye's paintings, especially the way she uses light and shadow to create mood. Ultimately, Lost Happiness isn’t trying to give you all the answers. It’s a moment, a feeling, and maybe a question about what we expect from our celebrations.