Woman in Head Wrap, 2019

Provenance: Irena Hochman Fine Art Ltd.; acquired from the above by the current owner, 2019.

Joy Labinjo’s practice centres on figurative painting, drawing from personal and archival imagery to explore themes of identity, community, and everyday life within the Black British experience. Her work is characterised by bold colour, flattened perspective, and simplified forms, creating compositions that are both intimate and visually striking.

In Woman in Head Wrap (2019), the subject is presented against a vibrant, minimal background, her direct gaze and composed posture lending the portrait a quiet sense of presence and dignity. The use of strong outlines and contrasting colour fields emphasises both form and individuality, while the inclusion of subtle decorative elements situates the figure within a broader visual context. Through this balanced approach, Labinjo creates a portrait that celebrates representation while foregrounding the nuances of personal identity.