The Everyday Person

Inspired by the different types of people found at an African market, Nigerian artist Ogunlesi Paul paints this deeply evocative composition. He calls on the hawkers, the olokadas (bikers), the agberos (vagabonds), as well as the beggars, all gathered together in one communal space on a daily basis, all seeking to find their place in the world. This expressionist composition depicts a woman in tones of red and deep purple, framed against a green and yellow background with human figures as she balances a tray of food atop her head. Pieces of recycled newspaper accent the painting.