It was not the first time I had decided on a painting’s title well before gathering my thoughts on the materials it would require and the course of action to follow. Yet certain aspects of what I needed to do were clear enough. In line with my current artistic direction, I knew it had to be abstract. Also, it would follow the line of paintings I began a couple of years earlier, such as the Raw Emotions series.

Regarding the media accessory that would go on the surface of the canvas, I had a clear idea of what it would be. First, the overlay fabric would have to be one of the found materials I had saved in my studio, ‘The Surgery’, along with fragments of native Batik fabric I had sourced from the art collaborative connected to my visual practice, located in Nigeria. While I liked the original minimalist photograph by Anthony Lamb printed on the canvas surface, I did not particularly like the idea of obscuring the image with paint. Then, I took consolation in the fact that this piece of information would even make for a better background story for whoever sees or owns any of the pieces.

Next, I knew I would need the next few days for much-needed contemplation, the kind of intensive brainstorming that often precedes the projects I embark on, not just for the painterly pursuit but also for the storytelling that is integral to my visual art practice. Even at such an early stage, I envisioned a fascinating exercise ahead, and from the outset, I realized that what I had conceived as a painting was a story that needed to be shared. It is a powerful exploration of aspects of human existence, interconnectedness, and a depiction of quintessential family life. In addition, this exercise and the works that originated from it serve as a potent reminder that everything that takes place in our daily lives offers ample opportunity for a painterly story waiting to be told. To learn more about this work, visit the section titled, Highlights.

The ‘Story’ is a brief recollection of how this series started. The three galleries—Gallery-J, Gallery-B, and Gallery-G— reflect the various stages of transformation.