So, I packed my bags for New York on a research trip, thanks to Arts Council England, who supported me with a grant to be able to carry out this amazing opportunity. The goal was simple: absorb as much culture, history and fine art as humanly possible, visit world-class institutions, and find the spark for my next era of work…
Days before the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Nigerian-born artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby unveiled a striking new portrait of Barack and Michelle Obama. While many viewers have been captivated by the scale and beauty of the work, I found myself equally inspired by the extraordinary research, storytelling and dedication behind its creation.…
Society loves the idea of artists - the passion, freedom and creativity but rarely talks about the emotional pressure that comes with constantly creating. Read EDENSARTGB Blog and get into the mind of the emotional aspect of being an artist
Being an artist is not for the weak. Sales are slow—I haven’t sold a painting in five months. The art world is unpredictable, full of self-doubt, flops, and long hours creating content no one sees.
But I keep going. I create because I can, because I enjoy it, and because I want to uplift Black and brown women—showing the world we are seen, celebrated, and valued.
As a Black woman artist, I am fully aware of how rare it is to see people who look like me in galleries or framed and hanging beautifully in someone’s living room. Representation in art doesn’t just influence how others see us — it shapes how we see ourselves.
To me, culture is made up of different aspects that come together to shape an individual - traditions, beliefs, behaviours etc.
When I think of culture, I think of food - ackee and saltfish, oxtail, rice and peas, plantain, breadfruit, jerk chicken…the best of the best caribbean food.
When I think of culture, I think of music. Whilst I’m a 90s R&B girl at heart, I also love the reggae sounds of Morgan Heritage, Beres Hammond, Bob Marley and Richie spice.
When I think of culture, I think of style. Black people have significantly influenced global fashion trends, particularly in hairstyles. From braids and afros to baby hair and weaves, our creative hair styles reflect our heritage and individuality. It’s our crown!
The Exhibition
I got to participate in the “for the culture” exhibition where I had the privilege of showcasing two paintings that represented culture.
“Black Butterfly” : a painting that is all about embracing the skin you’re in. This bold piece celebrates black beauty and self-expression. The young woman with her locs and jewellery freely and proudly embraces her identity.
“Her Heritage” : a painting that honours the strength of the women that came before us. The woman carrying a bowl of fruit on her head represents the enduring spirit of women of my heritage who faced adversity but still persevered.
It‘s ashame that exhibitions like this don’t happen very often in Birmingham but to be apart of it when it does is a very special feeling. I’m glad that my paintings had the opportunity to be shown in an exhibition so fitting to what my art represents.
