This painting is more than just a visual representation of a story. It is a chapter from my own life, the painting is an attempt to tell parts of my own story. In Nigeria, we often carry multiple names, each reflecting a different facet of our identity. I bear four names—Mesoma, Amaranna, Chloe, and Ada—each with its own significance. This painting focuses on the chapter of my life where I'm recognized as Amaranna, Chloe or Ada
In the painting, Chloe is the girl at the center. She is a student in a foreign country, not entirely sure what she is doing, surrounded by a rapidly changing world. trying to remain steadfast with an unwavering focus.
Amaranna is an extension of Chloe, and she embodies my growing confidence, particularly in my creative practice which is represented with the camera she holds in the painting.
Lastly, Ada, a name given to every first daughter of my tribe, is a silent yet ever-present part of my identity. It may not be overtly uttered, but its influence runs deep, symbolized by the image within the camera's viewfinder—a picture of a girl with her siblings, a reminder of familial ties and responsibilities.
In this painting, I lay bare the layers of my identity, each name, and its associated persona intertwined in the intricate dance of life. This painting is an exploration of the self, a reflection of the narratives that shape me, and a celebration of the vibrant stories that define my cultural heritage. Through each stroke of the brush and every detail of the canvas, I invite viewers to immerse themselves in the complex narrative of identity—one that is both deeply personal and inherently universal.
