Artist to Know: Njideka Akunyili Crosby

Then You Lost Me 2013 Oil and acrylic on printed paper mounted on board 2 ft. × 1.67 ft.

I first encountered Njideka Akunyili Crosby at the Studio Museum in Harlem. Her captivating use of color and texture to tell stories made her a instant favorite from my trip. The Nigerian artist lives and works in New York, and says this about her work.

My art addresses my internal tension between my deep love for Nigeria, my country of birth, and my strong appreciation for Western culture, which has profoundly influenced both my life and my art. I use my art as a way to negotiate my seemingly contradictory loyalties to both my cherished Nigerian culture that is currently eroding and to my white American husband. Most of the Nigerian traditions I experienced growing up are quickly disappearing due to the permeation of Western culture and the ensuing opinion that being ”too Nigerian” is uncool. I feel dismayed by Nigerians’ unquestioningly valuing anything Western as superior however, my awareness of this problem does not exempt me from it – indeed, I question whether this mentality played a part in my falling in love with my husband. My art serves as a vehicle through which I explore my conflicted allegiance to two separate cultures.

When looking at one of her piece, you feel as though you're getting a glimpse into a private moment. She achieves the life like quality by collaging photographs. Here is where you see reflections of Romare Bearden, whom she cites as a major influence. View more of her work here.