Inspired by Barkley L. Hendricks’ and Akinola Ebenezer, this figurative series explores themes of memory, absence, and expectation through carefully composed portraits of Black individuals. Each painting includes symbolic elements—like empty stools, fallen rose petals—representing loved ones who are no longer present, or hopes not yet realized.

The visual language is quiet and dignified: neutral clothing, warm or twilight-toned backgrounds, and high-contrast lighting reminiscent of fine art photography. Some works exist in diptych form, contrasting presence with absence. The series asks: What do we hold onto, and what do we leave space for.