The artwork, titled “The Beautyful Ones” Series #8, was created by Njideka Akunyili Crosby in 2018. It belongs to the art movement known as Postcolonial art and falls under the genre of portraiture.
The artwork presents a young child dressed in traditional attire, standing in a domestic setting filled with a mixture of modern and historical elements. The backdrop includes a collage of photographic imagery and various household objects, such as a stereo system and other personal items that evoke a sense of nostalgia and cultural identity. The child’s attire, intricately patterned and rich in detail, appears to seamlessly merge with the layered collage background, reflecting the complex interplay of African heritage and contemporary influences. The figure stands with a poignant expression, invoking a contemplative mood that captures both innocence and the weight of cultural history.