Influences of some of Chechet’s favourite artists such as Warhol & Lichtenstein are to be seen in ‘The Promise’, the merging of colour, texture and style making this clear to any viewer. As a result, there is a sense of familiarity to the pop-art explosion behind the central portrait. However, this is quickly contradicted by the multisectoral greyscale portrait and linoleum-esque print of 50 Naira that makes the viewer question: what do these elements all have in common? Perhaps this is what makes Chechet’s work so intriguing and forces us to divulge into researching a history that might be unfamiliar to us. However, compared to other portraits in Chechet’s portfolio, The Promise feels busy and somewhat chaotic, perhaps used as a tool to indulge in historical influences.
Words by Chloe Copley