Stephen Aragabada's work, Secrets, was shown in the Rodney episode of the Netflix hit series Supacell and stands out distinctly in both style and technique. He also caught the attention of American celebrity collector, Alicia Keys who described his work as “Gorgeous”. Since the acclaim, Aragbada has racked up teeming interest, bringing an excitement that anticipates the evolution of his distinct representation of Blackness in contemporary Africa.
The painting shown in the series Supacell is titled "Secret." "Secret" presents an intimate scene between two people with dark skin tones. The central focus is on the close embrace and the gesture of a person gently holding her hand on the shoulder of the other, whispering into her ear while covering her mouth. The vibrant, polka-dotted clothes add a sense of playfulness and humor to the composition.
The choice of clothing for the figures and the bold, contrasting colors create a visually attractive and interesting aesthetic. The gestures and touch suggest a deep personal connection and a moment of bonding and synergy. This physical touch conveys a sense of care, comfort, and intimacy between the two individuals.
The background of the painting is a rich purple with a bright moon that contrasts with the figures, highlighting the time and moment. The silent, almost somber quality of the background creates a sense of privacy and isolation, further emphasizing the intimate nature of the moment represented. The title "Secret" implies that this is a private moment where the two people are engaged in a confidential conversation. This creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, inviting the viewer to consider the nature of their relationship and the history behind the scene.
Overall, the painting is a captivating and visually striking representation of an intimate and private moment between two individuals. Movements, body language, and color choices all work together to create a powerful and emotional work that explores the themes of love, connection, and the precious private moments people share.
More works by Stephen Aragbada can be seen here :
Main Image: Secrets, Stephen Aragbada
Anna Melnykova, "Palace of Labor (palats praci), architector I. Pretro, 1916", shot with analog Canon camera, 35 mm Fuji film in March 2022.
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