Creator:
Michael Adetula (1998, Nigerian)
Creation Year:
2024
Dimensions:
Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 20 in (50.8 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
Medium:
Canvas,Archival Ink,Acrylic
Movement & Style:
Conceptual
Period:
21st Century
Condition:
New

Additional Information: Seeking Perfection portrays a young lady clutching a book titled How to Behave on a First Date, her expression a mixture of hope and apprehension. This artwork explores the societal pressures, self-imposed expectations, and innate desire to present one's best self in pivotal moments. The lady stands poised, her delicate grip on the book revealing both vulnerability and determination. Her attire is carefully chosen, symbolizing the effort to create the "perfect" image, while her body language hints at the internal conflict between authenticity and conformity. The book in her hands becomes a metaphor for the rules and scripts we often turn to in our quest to meet societal ideals. The background blends soft, muted tones with sharper elements, representing the tension between individuality and external expectations. The warm lighting on her face highlights her humanity, inviting viewers to empathize with her journey of navigating the complex terrain of relationships and self-presentation. This piece challenges the viewer to reflect on their own experiences of seeking perfection, particularly in moments of vulnerability and connection. It celebrates the beauty of imperfection and reminds us that genuine connection comes not from following rules but from embracing authenticity. Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Michael Adetula's paintings convey his fascination for contemporary attitudes which are embellished with fragments of history. Working with images of trendy young people in poses that suggest the hipness of modernity, his characters have on their bodies paintings and designs of elements that tell stories that stretch beyond their present, to the past, or even their genetic memories. Adetula’s work addresses cultural themes of identity, to document how the past reflects on the present. "The time capsules we live in are interconnected in more ways than we can grasp, says Adetula. His primary medium is Acrylic on canvas, which is complimented by his application of coloured pens. With this, he can create works that have bold brush strokes as well as intricate paintings on the body that also serve as texture. The backgrounds and paintings of clothes worn by his subjects are similar in rendition, while the details on the bodies of his subjects are painted with a mixture of both mediums. There is an application of the philosophy of natural synthesis whereby outside influences, concepts, and ideas come together in Adetula’s compositions. Colours, symbols, tones, and shades unite in the intricate paintings on the body, which include images of trees, cowries, traditional African combs, and flowers. His depictions symbolize tradition, life, belief systems, emotions, and transitions. Creativity for him, "is a powerful tool for exploring deeply, the cultural heritage of the people. His inklings are carefully arranged to reflect the impact of this ideology in the fullness of time. This is evident in his works such as "A Lady with the Swag" and "The Way We Are." Inspired by a fertile imagination, Adetula ’s evocative paintings simultaneously address contemporary cultural life by adding tinges of the past. This vision helps him grasp the clear essence and meaning of his subjects and themes, and by so doing makes clear his message of giving life to his art, and giving his artful messages to society.

Reserve: $1,480.00

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Location: This item ships from Nigeria.

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