Like many pieces part of the HYPERFLUX and Retro Africa collections, ‘Better Days’ is another portrait that presents Chechet’s signature style of blending contemporary art with history. However, the figure’s facial expression appears despondent and sad, contrasting to the strong and wilful facial interpretations to be seen in Phenomenal and The Promise. The contrast in colour to monochrome layering feels purposeful and precise, the pop of green that overlays the individual’s lips perhaps a symbol of repression or envy. Like the title, their expression definitely seems to indicate that they have seen and had Better Days. This idea is only exaggerated by the plain background and seemingly simple composition.
