Before Bedtime Stories 2020

Cornelius Annor made "Before Bedtime Stories", using oil paint to capture a domestic scene bathed in warmth and affection. I wonder how many layers it took him to arrive at this particular hue of olive green for the walls. Looking at this, I imagine Annor thinking about the conversations, laughter, and shared moments that unfold within the home. The thick paint and bold strokes around the figure convey the vitality of the figures, while the patterned fabric of the grandmother's skirt and the armchair add complexity and visual interest. It kind of reminds me of the way Alice Neel captured the spirit of New York. There’s a gestural quality to the way Annor renders light and shadow that brings to mind the work of painters like Njideka Akunyili Crosby. I can see how painters inspire and learn from each other, reaching across continents and generations! It’s like one big conversation, and we get to listen in.