Devin 2022

Monica Ikegwu's oil painting, Devin, captures a figure with striking clarity against a backdrop of gentle curves and muted tones. You can almost feel the artist's focus as she worked, building up layers to achieve this incredible likeness. I imagine Ikegwu thinking about the old masters and then thinking about the new masters, too. What does it mean to paint someone today? How much can be said with a particular look or the way hands are posed? The darks in the arms are delicious! I can see how each brushstroke carefully models the form. Also, there's that dress! Covered in flowers with little sad faces. It's a playful and complex painting. You can see a history of painting in it, and also something that feels totally unique. I think that’s what all artists are trying to do—find their own voice while being in conversation with those who came before.