Bidspirit auction | Brother II – Original 2021

Brother II – Original 2021 Acrylic Portrait by Chinwe Russell, British-Nigerian Contemporary - Brother II is an original acrylic painting created in 2021 by Chinwe Russell, the British-Nigerian contemporary artist celebrated for her expressive, narrative-driven style and internationally known for the major touring collection “20 Historical Women Who Changed the World.”Measuring 20 x 25 cm (8 x 10 inches), this portrait continues Russell’s exploration of identity, cultural memory, and the emotional depths of the human experience. Like its companion piece, Brother I, this artwork features a powerful male profile constructed through bold palette-knife strokes, layered textures, and a dynamic interplay of earthy browns, deep greens, fiery reds, and luminous yellows.In Brother II, the figure feels almost sculpted from colour and movement. The swirling strokes surrounding the head evoke both ancestral presence and natural forces — leaves, flames, wind, and spirit intertwined. The warm yellow arc that crowns the head suggests a halo, resilience, or enlightenment, adding spiritual energy to the composition.The single eye, painted with thick impasto and expressive contrast, becomes the emotional anchor of the portrait. It pulls the viewer inward with a sense of vulnerability, dignity, and introspection. Russell’s portraits often hold this duality — fragility interwoven with unbreakable strength — echoing the lived experiences of Black men and the silent stories carried across generations.The painting’s raw, gestural movement and rich, layered textures are emblematic of Russell’s broader artistic practice. Her work has been exhibited widely across the UK and internationally, including at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, and her paintings are collected globally by individuals, museums, and cultural institutions.Brother II is signed on the back and painted on stretched canvas. It can be displayed individually or paired with Brother I as a powerful diptych exploring kinship, identity, and emotional depth.A compelling opportunity to acquire a deeply expressive work by an internationally recognised contemporary artist.Keywords: Chinwe Russell portrait, African contemporary art, expressive acrylic painting, narrative portraiture, British-Nigerian artist, small collectible artwork, modern figurative art, textured painting, 2021 original artwork, cultural identity art, LiveAuctioneers art listing. Dimensions: 25 x 20 x 2 cm