As We See You; Dreams of Jand 2017

Njideka Akunyili Crosby made “As We See You; Dreams of Jand,” using a variety of materials and techniques to create this really fascinating image. It's like she's not just painting what she sees, but also how she remembers, how she dreams. I'm struck by how she builds up the surface, especially the collage elements on the right. Each piece is carefully placed, like a puzzle. The way the images are layered creates a sense of depth and complexity. I keep coming back to how the eye is constantly moving, searching for connections. Take the magazine cover, for instance, the way it leans casually against the wall. This whole piece feels like a conversation between different ways of seeing, different layers of experience. Crosby's work reminds me a bit of David Hockney's photo collages, in that they both play with perspective and representation, but she brings her own unique sensibility. This piece invites us to embrace ambiguity, to find meaning in the connections between disparate elements, and to see the world in a new and unexpected way.