Limited Edition of 35

The works of Collin Sekajugo take their departure point in pop culture and the global mainstream. His paintings critique their subtle influence across visual, oral and digital cultures. Since 2012, Sekajugo likes to manipulate the common stock image to reveal its global impact and its inherent biases of entitlement and privilege, largely modelled on the Western, white self. The “Stock Image Suite” transforms white figures into black figures. The original stock image on which “Smiling Girl Eating Salad” is based, depicts a white naked woman. The artist converts the model into a black girl with a mischievous and steady gaze, posing in a decor filled with vibrant colors – reminiscent of African textiles. If at first glance, one can think of the archetypical model of the exotic girl portrayed by orientalist painters, the empowered look of the black model tells us otherwise. Conceptually, the works of Sekajugo become pure theatre, a hacking of identity that exposes some truths behind these stock images that quietly continue to colonise the entire globe by the weight of their own popularity.

Need more info?

Our team of art advisors can tell you more about pricing, shipping, and displaying this piece.

Talk to an art advisor