Equatorial Guinea Commission (2024)

This commission was created for Pastor Hassan Obiang and delivered to Equatorial Guinea, West Africa. The painting depicts a moment of interaction between Pastor Hassan and professional boxer Andre Berto, surrounded by children within a lush landscape. A gorilla figure anchors the composition, symbolizing protection, strength, and responsibility toward future generations.

The project explored themes that frequently appear in Johni Bleu’s work: humanity, resilience, and the tension between hope and complexity. The black and grey palette was intentionally chosen to leave space for interpretation, emphasizing ambiguity rather than resolution.

For Bleu, the commission represented an opportunity to create work that traveled beyond familiar contexts, connecting personal artistic language with a broader global audience.

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