The Way It Is (III)Tonia Nneji · 2019

Identification of The Way It Is (III)

The Way It Is (III) is a painting by Tonia Nneji, created in 2019. This work is part of the contemporary output of the artist, who is a contemporary Nigerian artist. The piece was produced during a period when Nneji was establishing her presence within the modern art landscape.

Tonia Nneji was born in 1991 in Lagos State, Nigeria. Her practice is informed by her background in a region with long-standing traditions of craftsmanship. The artist's technical approach involves a combination of abstraction and figurative elements, often utilizing a palette of yellow, green, red, and blue to define the forms within the composition.

Visual Composition and Subject Matter

The composition features two figures seated in a room, positioned in a way that establishes a sense of interior space. The first person sits on the left side of the frame, while the second person is located more toward the center. Both individuals are depicted with their legs crossed and are wearing blue clothing. In the background, a couch is visible, providing a sense of domesticity to the setting.

The color palette consists of yellow, green, red, and blue. These hues are applied to the various elements within the scene, including the chairs upon which the figures are seated. The chairs themselves are rendered in a variety of these colors, including yellow, green, red, and blue. The arrangement of these colored forms creates a structured environment around the central subjects.

Related Works by Tonia Nneji

Other works from the same period include While We Wait 4 and Night 3. Both of these paintings were produced in 2019. They are currently held at the Rele Arts Foundation in Lagos, Nigeria.

In While We Wait 4, the composition features two stylized figures in an intimate interaction. The work utilizes geometric color blocking and a flattened perspective to render the human silhouette. The application of paint is tactile, showing visible brushstrokes and heavy layering on the canvas. The piece incorporates textile patterns and geometric forms.

The painting Night 3 depicts a woman in a pose of enjoyment. This work is characterized by a red background containing yellow polka dots. It utilizes bold colors and a vibrant background to define the subject.