Bob Usoroh

#100 -JUDGEMENT OVER THE WITCHES
Acrylics on canvas, 80cmx100cm, 2009
$5200

Title: "Judgement Over the Witches"
This expressionist painting, titled "Judgement Over the Witches," depicts a poignant scene in a village during the late sixties. The village public square serves as the stage for unfolding events, where the local judiciary, comprised of the villagers, gathers along the perimeter to pass judgment on a group of suspected witches and wizards.
The composition is divided into two main focal points, creating a stark visual dichotomy. Center-left, the suspected witches and wizards sit on spiky bunches of palm fruit, symbolizing the harshness and cruelty of their situation. This element is accentuated by the use of bold lines and contrasting colors, emphasizing the discomfort and pain experienced by the accused.
On the center-right, a group of arrogant village youths takes on the self-appointed duty of picking up suspected individuals and subjecting them to mockery and torture. Their postures and expressions convey a sense of authority and self-righteousness, adding to the overall atmosphere of injustice.
In the background a foreground, the villagers encircle the unfolding scene, on a close their faces would have revealed a mix of curiosity, fear, and perhaps even a sense of complicity. The artist uses a vibrant color palette to capture the emotional intensity of the moment, with bold reds, yellows, and greens dominating the composition.
As a child standing near their mother, the artist imparts a personal touch to the narrative, emphasizing the lasting impact of witnessing such injustice. The perspective of the child adds an additional layer of innocence and vulnerability to the scene, reinforcing the inherent wrongness of the events transpiring in the village square.
Overall, "Judgement Over the Witches" serves as a powerful commentary on mob mentality, injustice, and the abuse of power within a community. The expressive style and bold use of color evoke a visceral response, encouraging viewers to reflect on the consequences of unchecked prejudice and the need for empathy in the face of societal judgment.

The Journey of illumination, Acrylics on canvas
2018, 50x70cm

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