About the work – This Self Portrait does not really have a story behind it, I just wanted my final work to be about myself while also paying homage to my origins. The painting depicts myself in my country’s traditional attire (Isiagu), sitting on a chair staring at the viewer. The shirt signifies power, authority and pride, and it’s often worn with a red or black cap. A Tiger or Lion’s head is boldly printed all around the shirt. The shirt also has a silver or gold button connected with chains. As we know, the Lion is seen as the king and ruler of the jungle, we Igbo people also consider ourselves kings and queens. The outfit is worn mostly on important occasions like weddings and coronation ceremonies and this particular shirt I wore was the one my father wore for his traditional wedding. I choose the attire because it makes me think highly of myself and it displays me like or as a high-class person. I made this painting to portray who I am, my culture, my ethnicity and my country.
Medium – Acrylic and Gouache mix, painted on canvas
Size – 50 x 60 cm
