I've painted a beautiful black African woman in profile. The way I see it, black people, with their gorgeous dark skin, little pug noses and prominent big lips, are the most beautiful sight in the world. I consider this beauty something white people try to emulate.
The accessories and tattoos not only give a stunning visual effect but also add to the painting’s unique look. The facial paintings and the jewelry are inspired by our tribal people. They decorate their naked bodies, live a freer, simpler existence and are more honest about who they are and what they desire from this world.
I have painted the painting as a contrast to the Western world where people generally disapprove of our uninhibited freedom; that we attract attention, get noticed and do not adapt to society's unrealistic expectations. The keywords written in arbitrary locations are our frustrations with society, life and people who want to control you and yet lie about who they really are. We live in a society that demands perfection, contradictory to our very nature as imperfect beings.
The hearts by the ear are a contrast to a cold and unfeeling society. I emphasize the importance of love as a contrast to my own upbringing. I was raised in an environment devoid of love and the effects of that upbringing are still a part of me today, as person who’s more outwardly perfect and less mentally healthy.
The painting's background is graffiti letters written in black marker, as are the keywords. They not only look gorgeous but also go back to the connection with a society that prefers perfection and toughness over love and warmth. The painting was done with dark, dry colors as an inspiration from Africa and an ode to its serene brown beauty. Its painted on A4 paper framed in a black high gloss frame. The small stature of the painting is to convey the impression of calmness, as opposed to being dominant and violent.
