A portrait of identity, unmasked. Lagbaja channels the pressure to conform—and the quiet rebellion that lives beneath it, in raw, Neo-Expressionist form.
"Lagbaja" is a Yoruba word that roughly translates to "nobody" or "anonymous person." It is often used to refer to someone whose identity is unknown or hidden. Lagbaja is a powerful Neo-Expressionist work that delves into the complexities of identity in the African context, where societal expectations often demand conformity. The distorted, fragmented face in the piece symbolizes the mask many of us wear to fit into prescribed norms—those societal aesthetics that shape how we are expected to live, act, and think. In African cultures, the pressure to adhere to these expectations can be overwhelming, often leaving little room for individuality or difference.
Neo-Expressionism, with its raw and unfiltered style, allows the artist to convey the emotional impact of this societal pressure, reflecting how we navigate the fine line between self-preservation and societal acceptance. Through aggressive brushstrokes, chaotic layers, and intense color contrasts, Lagbaja captures the tension between personal identity and societal expectation. The artwork embodies the emotional turmoil of trying to fit into a mold, hiding behind a constructed version of oneself, while suppressing the true, often non-conforming aspects of our being.
This piece was not drawn from real life or reference. It comes purely from the artist’s imagination—a figure shaped by instinct rather than intention. Lagbaja is the result of intuitive expression, where emotion leads the hand and thought follows after. Nothing here was planned; everything was felt.
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