The artwork “The Beautyful Ones Series #5” created by Njideka Akunyili Crosby in 2016 is a portrait painting that belongs to the Postcolonial art movement. The piece masterfully blends elements that highlight the artist’s distinctive style and cultural commentary.
In the artwork, a young child is seated, exuding an air of solemnity. She is adorned in a blue dress with floral patterns and is accessorized minimally with blue earrings and a simple necklace. Behind her, the background is richly textured and layered, featuring a chalkboard with the phrase “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” written twice. Surrounding the chalkboard are decorative elements including a decorative border that interestingly integrates cultural icons and text. The layers of fabric and patterns behind the child further accentuate the multi-dimensional and intricate nature of the painting.
This composition not only captures the innocence and poise of the child but also imbues the portrait with deeper layers of meaning that reflect on identity, heritage, and memory, hallmarks of the Postcolonial art movement to which Akunyili Crosby contributes.
