Analysis Of Nijedka Akunyili Crosby's Predecessors

Nijedka Akunyili Crosby’s mixed media exhibition Predecessors, being showcased at the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati Ohio from July 15th to October 1st of this year, is composed of work completed in the past five years including pieces of the same name, Predecessors. These two pieces which make up Predecessors are composed of acrylic paint, colored pencil, charcoal and photo transfers on paper. Hanging side by side, the pieces both complement and contrast not only each other but also in and of themselves with the materials being used. The hybridization of materials creates both a sense of chaos – the contrast between the photo transfers and the block coloring, familiarity – the personal photographs displayed, and uniformity – the overall artist’s style, between the two pieces.
One piece showcases what appears to be a dining room. According to the pieces description …show more content…
On one of these chairs sits an African American woman wearing a pink and feminine dress, black tights, and colorfully striped shoes. In this piece, Akunyili Crosby uses the photo transfers in a different way. The photo transfers emphasize shadows – the shadow of the chair as well as the reflection of the table off the chair, the shadow casted by the table, and by the woman.
The two pieces as a whole employ similar color themes – lots of warm and light pink colors, as well as black, whites and greys, burgundy, maroon, and purple hues. Akunyili Crosby’s attention to detail is exquisite – especially in the areas in which she explores light and reflective materials. The use of photo transfers and emphasis on personal possessions exhibited in her work is both a unique and personal aspect, and provides a plethora of material for the viewer to draw emotion and conversation from, as well as information regarding the artist’s life experiences, culture, and intentions for her