Kwesi Botchway's exhibition Be Your Own Cool showcases new works reflecting a shift in scale and mood, created during a residency in Los Angeles. The series emphasizes individualism and intimacy, with portraits portraying figures in contemplation against soft pastel backgrounds. The collection includes a group of fifteen small paintings recognizing community figures who contribute to cultural identity. Botchway's evolving style merges realism with stylization, using rich tones to celebrate the dignity and unique expressions of Black individuals, specifically in their fashion and hairstyles.
The paintings in Be Your Own Cool are contemplative offerings that nurture the individuality of each subject while evoking a sense of intimacy.
Each figure is portrayed in moments of reflection and stillness, characterized by subtle brushstrokes and a sense of resonance.
In Be Your Own Cool, Botchway continues to evolve his signature style, where realism and stylization intersect, while also deepening the emotional complexity of Black portraiture.
These paintings emphasize Black individuals and their unique choices in hairstyles, clothing, and personal flair.
Collection
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