The F is for Fantastic 2020

Monica Ikegwu’s portrait, "The F is for Fantastic", offers a compelling exploration of identity through the vibrant depiction of its subject. The sitter is enrobed in an opulent blue fur coat, adorned with rings, set against a monochromatic backdrop. Ikegwu, born in 1998, is part of a generation that navigates identity with fluidity and self-awareness, and here she challenges traditional notions of masculinity and representation. The portrait exudes confidence, yet there's an undeniable vulnerability in the sitter's gaze. The choice of a traditionally feminine garment, like a fur coat, destabilizes traditional gender norms. The color and texture of the coat create a visual experience that emphasizes the sensuality and complexity of the sitter. Ikegwu doesn't shy away from celebrating Blackness and queerness in a way that reclaims power and visibility. This work invites us to consider how clothing and adornment can be acts of self-definition and resistance. It offers a space to reflect on the multifaceted nature of identity, and the courage it takes to express oneself authentically.