2 Hart James, Grasslands Before the Mountain, 2023, American
Lasisi Babatunde Damilare is a Nigerian artist who focuses on the ironies of the human body. In his work he challenges the notions of beauty and youth and uses humour to portray people with exaggerated bodies. They are depicted in the throes of daily life without any awareness of their size. As a result they become human, sympathetic and genuine. We see his talent securely matching his subject matter. He doesn’t shy away from poking fun at the ideal beauty. Through careful consideration of what it means to be thin or not thin he strips away society’s ideal. In turn, he reveals a fresh new image. We can appreciate his efforts as we empathize with his subject matter. No one is perfect and it is through carefree disregard that we can attain freedom from the ideal body.
2 Gordon Parks, Untitled, Shady Grove, Alabama, 1956, American
