Two West African Women in a Magically Surreal Painting by Roland Ayers

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On offer is a circular composition set within a square frame. This focus on circular forms is seen in other … Read more On offer is a circular composition set within a square frame. This focus on circular forms is seen in other works by Philadelphia native, African-American artist Roland Ayers (1932–2014), such as his 1970 Stylized Cityscape in Sphere. Watercolorist and printmaker, Ayers did very detailed drawings. He considered his artwork to be poetry, created to express the “magically surreal.”
In this piece, the two women in the foreground are set against a vibrant, naturalistic background. The interaction between the figures and the surrounding lush greenery is a recurring theme in this artist’s work, exploring the connectedness of humanity and nature.
The womens’ clothing carries bold, geometric, and multicolored patterns that are highly reminiscent of traditional West African textiles. Ayers’ style was directly shaped by his travels to West Africa, where he sought to explore his heritage and the connectedness of all living things.
A distinctive element in this artwork is the floating, geometric object in the upper right quadrant of the blue sky. This adds a dreamlike or mystical quality to the scene, aligning with Ayers' goal of portraying the reality of dreams.
While Ayers’ pen-and-ink works are often more intricate and monochromatic, his paintings are known for being more figurative and color-rich like this one. His typical practice utilized ink wash, watercolor and gouache. Here, his application of color is textured and layered, creating a sense of atmospheric depth. This piece perfectly reflects Ayers' shift toward exploring universal and spiritual mysteries rather than overt political messages. And on top of all that, the artist was a lover of jazz.
Signature: Bottom center (photo #7). Painting dimension: 6” diameter See less