IDENTITY II by Oluwafemi Afolabi
Explore Mondoir Studio
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Dimensions: 26 x 34 in
Year: 2026
Price: $2000.00 USD
Status: available
"Identity II" emerged from a deep reverence for the stories woven into every strand of African hair. I was inspired by the idea that hair is not merely an aspect of appearance but a vibrant tapestry of history and identity. In this piece, I wanted to celebrate the resilience and self-expression that hair embodies. As I painted, I chose a rich palette to reflect the vibrancy and strength of this narrative. The bold patterns in the clothing echo the cultural richness and diversity, each color and shape carrying its own tale. The intricate floral background adds a layer of subtlety, suggesting the beauty and complexity of these stories. I hope viewers feel a connection to the strength and beauty that this piece represents. I want them to see not just an individual, but a celebration of heritage and identity. My wish is for "Identity II" to inspire pride and recognition of the powerful stories we all carry within us.
Why collect this work?
Looped hair, bat-like overlays and floral patterning turn the portrait’s head and torso into competing surfaces, presenting identity as layered rather than contained by likeness.
- Afolabi describes hair as a carrier of African history and identity. That stated intention clarifies the enlarged, carefully articulated hairstyle, though the painting extends its argument through dress and facial patterning.
- The supplied image shows a tightly cropped figure looking sideways. Black loops break the head’s silhouette, while dark green bat-like shapes cross the face and neck; pale outlined flowers recede behind the saturated garment.
- The documented acrylic on canvas permits sharply bounded colour fields here. Crisp contours distinguish skin, lips, hair and printed cloth, while repetition links these otherwise separate areas into a continuous patterned structure.
- Within portraiture concerned with bodily presentation, this painting makes hair structurally dominant rather than supplementary. Its overlap of hairstyle, animal motif and textile pattern supports comparison between likeness and culturally coded adornment.
About the Artist
Oluwafemi Afolabi
Oluwafemi Afolabi is an artist on Mondoir Studio. Artistic discipline: painting. Based in Ibadan , NG.
Nationality: Nigerian
To be precise, my art is my means of self-expression, the reflection of my community and the appreciation of nature; an avenue to capture and...
