Why are We Here? (2023) Original Acrylic Painting by Emmanuel Akolo

In this portrait, I confront the relentless pound of existential questioning. I chose a vibrant, unapologetic green backdrop to contrast with the internal "wonder and fear" that the question "Why are we here?" evokes. My subject’s direct, steady gaze and crossed arms represent the human attempt to find grounding amidst an impossible mystery. While the mind races to comprehend the profound, there is a physical necessity to "move forward" and tend to the tangible—family, life, and the present moment. I captured the interplay of light on skin to emphasize the wondrous reality of our existence against the perplexity of our purpose. This work is a visual meditation on ceasing the strife of the unknown and embracing the human life we are currently living. It is my invitation to look at the mystery surrounding us and, instead of getting lost, find strength in the here and now.

Materials used:

Acrylic On Canvas

Details:

• Acrylic painting on Canvas
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 60.96 x 91.44 x 3.81cm (unframed) / 60.96 x 88.9cm (actual image size)
• Signed on the front
• Style: Expressive and gestural
• Subject: People and portraits