OBSIDIAN SOVEREIGN
The figure carries forward the visual and conceptual language seen in my previous works particularly the emphasis on luminous dark skin, direct gaze, and symbolic adornment. However, here the surface evolves. The skin is rendered with a heightened, almost liquid sheen transforming it into something more than physical.
... It becomes reflective, impenetrable, and sovereign, like obsidian both a mirror and a shield.
Across my works, I have used cowrie shells as recurring elements, not merely decorative but archival. They reference pre-colonial systems of value, spirituality, and identity within African history. In this piece, they sit closer to the body, more integrated, suggesting not just heritage remembered but heritage embodied.
The background, a deep atmospheric teal, echoes tones from earlier paintings, creating continuity while allowing the figure to assert dominance within the space. The introduction of warm yellow fabric marks a subtle shift in my palette an emergence of light that contrasts yet harmonizes with the depth of the skin. This interplay reflects a broader evolution in my practice: moving from contrast to controlled balance.
Her gaze remains consistent with my previous figures steady, unnegotiating, and self-contained. She does not seek validation from the viewer. Instead, she redefines the terms of engagement. This continuity of expression across my works forms a lineage of figures who exist beyond observation they occupy authority.
This painting is part of an ongoing series that repositions Black identity within a framework of sovereignty and elegance. Each work builds upon the last, forming a collective narrative of presence, dignity, and inherited strength. Read More
Materials
Acrylic on canvas
Signature
Hand signed by artist
Certificate
Includes a Certificate of Authenticity