And We Begin to Let Go 2013

Njideka Akunyili Crosby, born in Nigeria in 1983, created "And We Begin to Let Go" using a combination of collage, paint, and printmaking techniques. Her work often explores the complexities of cultural identity and the experience of immigration, especially between Nigeria and the United States. In this piece, a seated woman is framed by layers of cultural signifiers. Akunyili Crosby weaves together personal and historical narratives; the collaged elements evoke memories and histories, reflecting on the artist's own bicultural experience. The patterns and images create a sense of depth, inviting us to consider the intricate ways identity is constructed from both personal history and broader cultural narratives. There’s a palpable sense of introspection as we consider the woman’s gaze and the overall composition. Akunyili Crosby develops alternative narratives, not only of immigration, but of cultural integration. Through her intimate scenes and layered meanings, the emotional weight of straddling multiple worlds is brought to the fore, shaping our understanding of cultural identity as a fluid and complex process.