Artist Profile: Lynda Charles

Overview

In Ayanfe, Lynda Charles masterfully explores themes of love, identity, and resilience through a striking combination of charcoal and acrylic. The bold portrait depicts an intimate yet powerful connection between two figures, rendered in a dynamic interplay of monochromatic realism and vibrant color. The contrast between their expressive, shaded faces and the electric hues of their garments and background amplifies the emotional weight of the composition.

Charles’ use of charcoal grounds the figures in a timeless, almost sculptural presence, while the acrylic accents inject a contemporary, expressive energy. The warm, fiery orange background radiates a sense of passion, strength, and deep emotional connection, while the subtle details in posture and gaze hint at a layered narrative—one of unity, love, and quiet defiance.

With Ayanfe, Charles challenges traditional portraiture by blending realism with abstraction, pushing viewers to consider the complex intersections of intimacy, cultural identity, and self-assertion.

Featured Artwork Vault Bushwick Gallery

Artwork Title: Ayanfe
Year of Creation: 2022
Medium: Charcoal and acrylic on canvas
Dimensions: 60 x 48 inches