Eko Skyscraper 2019

Njideka Akunyili Crosby created "Eko Skyscraper," using a distinctive blend of materials including charcoal, pastel, acrylic, and transfers on paper. Crosby's work often explores the complexities of cultural identity, particularly her own experience of straddling Nigerian and American cultures. In "Eko Skyscraper," the portrait of a young woman with elaborate braids that reach upwards like a skyscraper is set against a backdrop of lush foliage. This work encapsulates the artist's reflections on the theme of identity, and the emotional experiences of displacement and belonging. The choice of warm hues envelops the viewer, fostering a sense of intimacy and connection with the subject. Crosby's work invites us to consider the ways in which personal histories and cultural heritage shape our understanding of self and place. "Eko Skyscraper" is a testament to the artist’s exploration of memory, identity, and the diasporic experience, rendered with a tender and perceptive eye.