In the heart of the contemporary art world, where brushstrokes tell tales and canvases sing stories, one artist stands out, painting a vibrant tapestry of identity and culture. Meet the sensational Njideka Akunyili Crosby, whose artworks are not mere paintings but portals into a world where African heritage meets the bustling energy of New York City. With a brush in hand and a heart full of stories, Njideka Akunyili Crosby paintings invite viewers on a visual journey that transcends borders, blending the rich tapestry of her African roots with the dynamic tapestry of urban life.
Born in Nigeria, Njideka Akunyili Crosby embarked on her artistic journey, eventually finding herself in the buzzing art scene of New York. Her life in the city that never sleeps became a vibrant backdrop for her artistic expression, influencing the strokes and hues that grace her canvases. It was in New York that her works gained prominence, culminating in awe-inspiring exhibitions that showcased the brilliance of Njideka Akunyili Crosby paintings. These exhibitions became windows into her world, where each painting was a chapter in the novel of her life.
Njideka’s experience in the concrete jungle of New York City wasn’t just about skyscrapers and subway rides; it was a cultural dance where her African roots intertwined with the eclectic rhythm of the city. The collision of these two worlds birthed masterpieces that resonate with authenticity and emotion. Her art is a testament to the complexities of identity, a harmonious blend of past and present, tradition and modernity. Through her paintings, Njideka invites us to explore the nuances of her African lifestyle, offering glimpses of rituals, memories, and the ever-evolving dance of cultural identity.
1. Something Split and New
| Date of Completion | 2013 |
| Dimension | 50 x 66 inches |
| Location | Chillin’ in Njideka’s private collection |
Let’s rewind to 2013, the year when Njideka dropped “Something Split and New” like the coolest mixtape ever. This piece sets the stage for our journey into her world—a dual identity narrative where Nigeria meets America in a dazzling dance of colors and shapes.
Imagine the canvas as a stage, and each stroke of Njideka’s brush is a performer, telling a different part of her story. The audience? Well, that’s us, getting front-row seats to the spectacular show that is her life.
2. Cassava Garden
| Date of Completion | 2015 |
| Dimension | 90 x 120 inches |
| Location | Strutting its stuff at The Studio Museum in Harlem |
Fast forward to 2015, and we’re at the Cassava Garden party! This masterpiece is like the wildest backyard bash you’ve ever been to, where memories bloom like confetti. Njideka invites us to join the dance, and oh boy, are we grooving to the rhythm of vibrant hues and intricate tales.
If art had a soundtrack, “Cassava Garden” would be on repeat, a melody of nostalgia and celebration that echoes through the halls of The Studio Museum in Harlem. It’s not just a painting; it’s a full-blown festival of colors that makes you want to put on your dancing shoes and join the parade!
3. Thriving and Potential, Displaced (Again and Again and…)
| Date of Completion | 2012 |
| Dimension | 84 x 108 inches |
| Location | The Whitney Museum of American Art, party central! |
Let’s teleport to 2012, where Njideka throws a displacement disco on a canvas with “Thriving and Potential.” It’s like a visual rollercoaster ride through identity crises and emotional loops. Picture this: you walk into the Whitney Museum of American Art, and boom! You’re in the middle of the most epic party, where every brushstroke is a dance move, and each color tells a different part of the story.
Displacement has never looked so cool! Njideka’s skill to turn personal struggles into a celebration is what makes this piece a dance anthem for the soul. So, Whitney, get your party hats on, because this painting is here to turn the art world upside down!
4. The Beautyful Ones Series 2
| Date of Completion | 2014 |
| Dimension | 96 x 144 inches |
| Location | Currently chilling in a private collection |
Now, let’s sneak into the VIP section of Njideka’s art club where “The Beautyful Ones Series 2” is holding court. Completed in 2014, this piece is like the coolest after-party, paying homage to Chinua Achebe’s masterpiece, “Things Fall Apart.” It’s a visual symphony where tradition meets modernity, and we’re all on the guest list!
In the private collection, this figure becomes a secret handshake between the artist and the lucky owner. It’s not just a painting; it’s a conversation starter, a journey through pages of history and personal narratives. The party might be private, but the impact is universal.
5. Janded
| Date of Completion | 2012 |
| Dimension | 54 x 96 inches |
| Location | Rocking it out at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art |
“Janded” is the cool kid on the block, a snapshot of the vibrant energy in both Nigerian and American cultures. Completed in 2012, it’s like the art equivalent of a mixtape that makes you want to hit the dance floor! Imagine walking into the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and there it is, throwing a solo dance party that you can’t resist joining.
Njideka captures the essence of cultural dynamism with a paintbrush, and “Janded” becomes the anthem for anyone who’s ever felt the beat of two worlds. It’s a celebration of diversity, and L.A., you’re in for a treat!
6. Obodo (Country, City, Town, Ancestral Village)
| Date of Completion | 2018 |
| Dimension | 96 x 120 inches |
| Location | Striking a pose at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art |
“Obodo” is Njideka’s visual road trip through identity and belonging. Completed in 2018, it’s like a cultural GPS guiding you through the twists and turns of roots and heritage. San Fran, get ready for a ride! The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art becomes the pitstop where viewers can refuel their understanding of what it means to belong.
The canvas becomes a map, and each stroke is a landmark, guiding us through the landscapes of personal history. Njideka doesn’t just paint; she navigates through the complexities of cultural identity, and “Obodo” becomes a passport to a world of self-discovery.
7. Bush Babies
| Date of Completion | 2017 |
| Dimension | 84 x 120 inches |
| Location | Taking a vacation at the Tate Modern |
“Bush Babies” is the family reunion you didn’t know you needed. Completed in 2017, it’s a tapestry of memories that transcends borders and generations. Tate Modern, prepare to be part of the family photo! This painting is like a visual family tree where each branch tells a different story.
Njideka captures the essence of family dynamics—the laughter, the stories, the struggles—all painted with the brush of love. Tate Modern becomes the family home, and “Bush Babies” is the family portrait hanging proudly on the wall, reminding everyone that they’re a part of something beautiful.
8. Home. As You See Me
| Date of Completion | 2017 |
| Dimension | 72 x 96 inches |
| Location | Taking center stage at The Art Institute of Chicago |
“Home. As You See Me” is like a cozy chat with your best friend about what home really means. Completed in 2017, it’s a visual hug that explores the ever-changing meaning of home sweet home. Chicago, get your popcorn ready! The Art Institute of Chicago becomes the living room where Njideka spills the tea on what home means to her.
This painting is not just about physical spaces; it’s about emotional landscapes. Each stroke is a reminder that home is not a fixed point on a map; it’s a feeling, a vibe, and a memory. So, Chicago, prepare to feel the warmth of “Home. As You See Me.”
9. When the Going Is Smooth and Good
| Date of Completion | 2017 |
| Dimension | 108 x 144 inches |
| Location | Partying hard at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago |
“When the Going Is Smooth and Good” is the celebration anthem of life. Completed in 2017, it’s a massive canvas of joy and prosperity that’s ready to paint the town red at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago! Imagine walking into a gallery, and the walls themselves are dancing to the rhythm of good times.
Njideka turns life’s smooth moments into a visual feast, and every viewer becomes a participant in the party. It’s a reminder that life’s celebrations are not just individual events but a collective dance where everyone is invited to join. So, Chicago, put on your dancing shoes and get ready to celebrate!
10. Facets. Screen Wall
| Date of Completion | 2016 |
| Dimension | 72 x 96 inches |
| Location | Striking a pose at The Broad |
“Facets. Screen Wall” is Njideka’s latest dance move in the art world. Completed in 2016, it’s a testament to her evolution and an invitation for viewers to shimmy through the facets of their own lives. The Broad, let’s dance! This painting is like a snapshot of the artist’s journey, a selfie taken in the mirror of creativity.
Each facet reflects a different part of Njideka’s story, and The Broad becomes the dance floor where viewers can join the artist in a celebratory twirl through time and space. It’s not just a painting; it’s a mirror ball reflecting the endless possibilities of artistic exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Njideka Akunyili Crosby famous for?
Njideka Akunyili Crosby, who presently resides and works in Los Angeles, was born in Enugu, Nigeria in 1983. She was named Financial Times’ 2016 Women of the Year and was on the shortlist for the Future Generation Art Prize. She is the beneficiary of two fellowships, one from the United States Artists in 2021 and the other from MacArthur in 2017.
What type of medium does Njideka Akunyili Crosby use?
Her paintings employ a variety of mediums, including paint, collage, pencil drawings, marble dust, and photographic transfers. They subtly nudge the observer to consider how “painting” may go beyond conventional methods of investigating paint application on surfaces.
Conclusion
And there you have it, a whirlwind tour through the colorful universe of Njideka Akunyili Crosby! It’s been a year of dancing, discovering, and celebrating the magic of art together. So here’s to another year of fun, more colors, and more stories waiting to be told on the canvas of life. Cheers to the art fiesta that never ends!
