Self Soothe, Acrylic Wall Painting by Emmanuel Akolo (2023), Acrylic on Canvas

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I painted Self Soothe II to capture the heavy, quiet moments of lying in wait—paralyzed by the unchangeable mistakes of … Read more I painted Self Soothe II to capture the heavy, quiet moments of lying in wait—paralyzed by the unchangeable mistakes of the past. The figure is shown in a state of deep reflection, her gaze tilted as if caught between the weight of yesterday and the desire for the peace of tomorrow. This work is a visual exploration of the internal friction we feel when we know we must let go to survive.

To me, this piece is a call for us all to authorize our own healing. It is about the radical necessity of self-soothing—learning to regulate our own emotional states to relieve the anxiety that binds us to our history. I used bold, high-contrast earth tones to ground the subject, emphasizing that while the past is fixed, the strength to move forward is vibrant and alive. Self Soothe II is an affirmation of the dignity found in seeking comfort within oneself, honoring the courageous, solitary journey toward a positive, unburdened future.

Emmanuel Akolo,
Self Soothe, 2023
Acrylic on Canvas
16 × 20 × 1 in
Unique work
Includes a Certificate of Authenticity
Shipping Procedure
Ships in a well-protected tube from Lagos, Nigeria
This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gallery) See less