We Gon See You Later 2019

Monica Ikegwu made 'We Gon See You Later' with oil paints, and what hits me first is that relentless, almost monochromatic, purple. It's all about layering, and how the paint is applied; thin washes in the background, thicker strokes defining those jackets, and then a real attention to detail in the faces. It's like she's building up a world, bit by bit. Look at the way the light catches the puffy material behind the figures. It's not just purple, it's a whole symphony of lilacs and lavenders, each brushstroke carefully placed to give depth and texture. Then there’s the way the light hits the skin tones, how she mixes in those purples to create a luminous effect. It reminds me of Lynette Yiadom-Boakye in the way she captures the essence of her subjects, not just their likeness, but the mood, the vibe, the whole story. Ultimately, 'We Gon See You Later' is a conversation between the artist, the subjects, and us, the viewers. It's a beautiful, complex exchange that stays with you long after you've moved on.