Prinston Nnanna

New York Academy of Art

Artwork title: All of Our Daughters (collection of Derick Brown and Ron Temple)
charcoal and newspaper on hand-toned paper | 50 x 38 inches

Headshot image courtesy of Freddie Rankin II

Tell us about the work that you have submitted.
The work that I’ve submitted, All of Our Daughters, is a charcoal drawing on hand-toned paper. Its focus is on the connection and relationship that mothers and daughters share.

How do you describe your work and practice?
A single work communicates with its audience. Collectively my works communicate with themselves. These works are to depict the elegance of the Black figure and reconstruct the image in which society has painted people of color. Through the eye of my ancestors I create what was and will be.

What motivated you to apply to the AXA Art Prize?
What motivated me to apply for the AXA Art Prize was knowing that art has its own frequency. Being part of a traveling exhibition, the work can connect with a wider audience.

What about figurative work do you find particularly inspiring?
The best thing about creating figurative works is that it’s timeless. I create and recreate moments, pulling from my childhood and uplifting future generations.

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