Unruly, 2023

Emmanuel Akolo   New & remarkable Artists

I created Unruly to explore the profound sense of solitude that can exist even in the center of a crowd. The painting features a figure seated in a position of defiant ease—clad in a sharp grey suit and bold orange shades—clutching a cigarette as a clock in the background strikes near midnight. This work is a visual exploration of a "solemn existence" maintained amidst suspicious faces and rude, fake smiles. While the milieu and opportunity may force us to change our stance, I wanted to capture the internal discipline required to remain unbothered by the "worried mass of soul" that surrounds us. In this composition, I used an intense, saturated purple backdrop to isolate the subject, emphasizing the psychological distance between his cool exterior and the chaotic world. The high-contrast, warm ochre tones of his skin reflect a spirit that is both present and protected, choosing a path of "unruly" independence over the need to belong to the crowd. Through this portrait, I aim to celebrate the strength found in quiet observation and the resilience of a spirit that, even when unknown and unsung, remains focused on its own internal goals.