Inner Joy, 2022

Kehinde Oyafajo  

The artwork "Inner Joy" portrays a lady sitting in a relaxed position with a peaceful smile on her face. This piece of art speaks volumes about the importance of finding inner happiness and contentment, even in the midst of chaos.

The lady in the painting exudes a sense of tranquility as if she has found a moment of peace within herself. The vibrant colors and soft lines of the painting create a calming effect, inviting the viewer to reflect on their own inner peace.

Perhaps what makes this painting so powerful is the simplicity of the scene. The lady sits in a comfortable position, her open and gazing and a smile expression on her face. It reminds us that true joy can often be found in the simple moments of life, in the stillness and calmness of our own minds.

Furthermore, the title of the artwork, "Inner Joy," emphasizes the importance of cultivating joy from within, rather than seeking external sources of happiness. In today's fast-paced world, it is easy to become consumed with the pursuit of material possessions or societal expectations. This painting serves as a reminder that true happiness comes from within and that we must take the time to cultivate it.

In Africa, we have different kinds of hairstyles that beautify our cultures, so in this painting, the hair style she put on is known as the dreadlocks style. African dreadlocks were used as a social and cultural symbol often associated with shamanism. This hairstyle represented a connection with the divine and with the spirit realm and was often a symbol of strength and integrity for warriors and chiefs.

The background shows different types of Ankara signs for African cultures which were formerly known as 'Dutch wax print', and was originally manufactured by the Dutch for the Indonesian textile market. But by design, these prints garnered more interest in West Africa than in Indonesia which led the Dutch to focus more on West Africa.

In conclusion, the artwork "Inner Joy" is a powerful representation of the importance of finding inner peace and contentment. It reminds us that true happiness comes from within and that we must take the time to cultivate it. As we navigate our busy lives, let us remember to take a moment to pause and find our own inner joy.

Shipping Procedure:
Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria.
This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gallery)