Paint it Black

Paint it Black
Source: This is London
Published: 5th June 2008
Author: Elizabeth Pears

In 2006, a relatively unknown artist who painted “just for fun” caused controversy with her work depicting iconic British figures like Princess Diana and Margaret Thatcher with black faces.

The media frenzy that followed would surely have Enoch Powell turning in his grave – as the right-wing politician was also featured in the collection.

Collectively named Black Brits, the oil paintings outraged members of the public, wowed others, but established Adelaide Damoah, a relative unknown, as one to watch.

Now, as part of a special event organised by Haringey students, the provocative pieces will be on display at the Bernie Grant Art Centre from Monday, alongside her new work, Black Lipstick.

You could be forgiven for thinking this is a continuation of her first racially-charged exhibition, and that British-born Damoah, whose parents are from Ghana, is a one-trick pony.

But you would be very wrong.

Unlike her first exhibition, in which the self-taught artist pushed racial boundaries and challenged prejudice, her latest work is a complete focus on herself. It is a collection of erotic self-portraits inspired by an ex-lover’s penchant for women in black lipstick.

The 31-year-old, who uses oil pastels to create her unusual pieces, said: “I don’t want to be pigeon-holed as a black artist or an African artist. I just want to be seen as an artist. And I am more than just Black Brits”.

“I am sure that my African roots are present in my work because it is a part of me whether I am conscious of it or not. But my main inspiration is Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, whose work is very autobiographical like mine”.

“I don’t paint for other people, I paint for myself, and if they respond to that – great”.

Though it is women and sex, not race, on the agenda this time, Damoah is still capable of causing a stir. One of the pieces in the new collection shows the Essex resident with a whip in her mouth.

Damoah laughs as she discusses her latest creations: “I’m happy to be the first to say it is quite weird. I don’t know where it came from and wasn’t really sure where I was going with it. I guess I wanted to explore the dominant side of my character.

“But what struck me as I painted was the way I had objectified myself. As I looked at the paintings, I realised that none of them showed my face. Unless you know me, it could have been any woman. Ironically, I thought I was empowering myself, but I think I did the opposite”.

Damoah is a late-comer to the art scene, and began painting when she was forced to take five months’ sick-leave because of endometriosis she found it to be a satisfying avenue to relieve her boredom and take her mind off the pain.

And what started as a hobby, quickly became a new career for the woman who held a top executive position at a pharmaceutical company.

She says: “I had always enjoyed art and was always creative, but my parents pushed me down the academic road and I studied biology at university”.

“People started complimenting me on my work and, as my confidence grew, I thought I can do this. I’m going to give it a go”.

She was diagnosed in 2000 with the condition, which causes severe pain and affects fertility, and it continues to challenge and inspire her.

Under doctor’s orders to help her condition she has lost nearly two stone through healthy eating over the past year.

She adds: “It has really helped with easing the pain. My weight had never been an issue, but I must admit I am happy with my new body.”

I feel better in my clothes and don’t need to strap myself in with special underwear to achieve the streamlined look.

“I have always said whatever size you are is fine as long as you are healthy, but maybe I’m just like everyone else – it’s all about being a certain body size”.

And that just happens to be the subject of her other exhibition this year, titled Supermodels, which explores another set of challenging issues.

Adelaide Damoah’s work will be on show at the Bernie Grant Art Centre, as part of U-NITE, an event that will feature, dance, music, fashion and drama in a mixed variety showcase. It runs from Wednesday until July 27.

For more information, visit berniegrantcentre.co.uk or to learn more about Adelaide Damoah, visit damoaharts.com