“Home. As You See Me,” created by Njideka Akunyili Crosby in 2017, is an exemplary work within the Postcolonial art movement, belonging to the interior genre. The artwork meticulously captures a domestic setting, laden with intricate details that reveal the artist’s narrative and cultural reflections.
The artwork portrays an elaborately decorated interior with an evident juxtaposition of elements symbolizing the intersection of traditional and contemporary influences. Dominating the composition are richly patterned walls adorned with photographs and artistic motifs, exuding an aura of nostalgia and familial presence. Two plush sofas, covered with lace doilies, occupy a substantial portion of the foreground. Above these sofas, the walls are festooned with a plethora of framed portraits and memorabilia. The blue curtains, bordering the scene, create a visually striking contrast to the warmth of the interior’s color palette.
Further accentuating the interior space, Akunyili Crosby’s use of collage techniques integrates various textures and layers, adding depth and complexity to the scene. On the floor, a mirrored-like surface reflects the room, reiterating the multifaceted dimensions of memory and identity inherent in the piece. Emblems and insignias, referencing Nigerian culture, infuse the room with cultural specificity, bridging personal and collective histories.
Overall, the artwork is a meticulously crafted tableau, intertwining personal memory with broader sociocultural commentary, emblematic of Akunyili Crosby’s distinctive artistic voice within the Postcolonial art movement.