Boemi, chef Avungur, Niangara, Haut Ouelle 1925

Alexandre Jacovleff made this portrait, Boemi, chef Avungur, Niangara, Haut Ouelle, using charcoal to create a monochromatic world of earthy browns and blacks. Imagine the artist, poised with a stick of charcoal, carefully building up the tones to capture the likeness of Chief Avungur. I wonder, did Jacovleff start with the eyes, those dark pools that seem to hold a lifetime of stories? Or perhaps the elaborate headdress, a crown of feathers rendered with such delicate precision? There’s something so compelling about the contrast between the smooth skin and the textured details of the headdress and woven cloth. The charcoal seems to dance across the surface, creating a velvety texture that invites you to reach out and touch. Look at how the light catches the planes of the Chief’s face, each stroke adding depth and character. Artists are always looking at artists and learning from each other. Making art is a conversation across time and place. Each artist builds on what came before, pushing boundaries, experimenting with new ideas, and finding their own voice.