Kelsey 2022

Monica Ikegwu made this portrait of Kelsey using oil on canvas. The limited colour palette creates a dreamy world that has you wondering if what you’re seeing is actually real. The dress looks soft and frilly, but the confident gaze of the figure suggests something deeper. Look at the way the ruffles are painted, the repetitive gesture of the brush creates a sense of movement and energy, transforming an everyday dress into something special. The linear element in the background adds a touch of abstraction, and the different shades of pink create a sense of depth, while also flattening the space. It reminds me a bit of Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, in the way that the figure emerges from the background. But Ikegwu’s focus on the details of the dress and the expression on the face give it a unique feel.