Lastly, a portrait that depicts the profile of an African woman. Like Better Days, its composition is simplistic, though closer inspection reveals purposeful placements of Warhol’s pop-art influences. This portrait, like many others of Chechet’s, represents an African history, though ‘H.E.R Priceless’ tells an individual story that reflects heritage and ancestry. The face is split into two by combining two separate images, enforcing the idea of two individuals or identities that are connected by blood or culture. Compositionally this piece is reminiscent of coins and money, reinforced by the golden gradient in the background and the fact the title is ‘priceless’. Returning back to a prior point of historical colonisation, ‘H.E.R Priceless’ behaves as a symbol of Chechet’s collection; the figure’s strong expression combined with African prints and jewellery signifies a sense of pride, confidence, and desire to embrace a culture that should never be lost.
Words by Chloe Copley
