“Nyado. The Thing Around Her Neck,” created in 2011 by Njideka Akunyili Crosby, is a genre painting that falls under the postcolonial art movement. The artwork portrays intricate elements and textures, reflecting the artist’s distinctive style and multifaceted approach to visual storytelling.
The artwork depicts a scene with two figures within a domestic or social setting. A woman stands next to another seated figure, whose focus seems to be directed towards an object on the desk in front of them. The composition includes several layers of imagery and textures, integrating elements that seem to blend Nigerian cultural motifs with Western influences. The use of mixed media, such as collage, is evident, with photographic transfers creating a patchwork of patterns and visual narratives across the figures and their surroundings. The vibrant yellow patterned background contrasts with the richer, deeper tones of the figures’ attire, enhancing the overall complexity and depth of the piece.
