Shows
The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter#29 – How to Bring Portraits to Life on Canvas | Monica IkegwuYou know that moment when a painting feels so real you swear the subject might blink? Hyper-realist portraitist Monica Ikegwu returns to reveal the behind-the-scenes rigor—hours of glazing, precise lighting choices, and minimalist backgrounds—that turn a single photograph into a living, breathing canvas. Join Monica as she unpacks her journey from MFA student at the New York Academy of Art to international exhibitions, and how her “Just Say Yes” ethos keeps her pushing creative boundaries. Studio rigor and glazing: how disciplined layers of paint bring depth and life to every portraitFrom fabric backdrops to abstraction: evolving her style...2025-05-1348 min
PodcastsEp 276 – The Bennett Prize 3Patreon and Paypal link -
In this episode, I interview the 10 finalists in The Bennett Prize.
I also chat with Ayana Ross, the winner of the last Bennett Prize, and the creators of the prize, Steven Bennett and Dr. Elaine Melotti Schmidt.
The Bennett Prize - @thebennettprize
Shiqing Deng, Brooklyn, New York - @demodemoooo
Ruth Dealy, Providence, Rhode Island - @ruth_dealy
Ronna S. Harris, New Orleans, Louisiana - @harrisronnas
Haley Hasler, Fort Collins, Colorado - @haleyhasler
Sara Lee Hughes, Lockhart, Texas - @sara.lee.hughes
Monica Ikegwu, Baltimore, Maryland - @monica165
2023-06-292h 03
Two Idiots Talking About ArtEpisode 06: Monica Ikegwu Sits Down With The IdiotsIn this episode we were fortunate to interview the incredibly skilled Monica Ikegwu! Holy mackerel if you haven't seen her work go check it out now. Enjoy!
2022-05-1652 min
The Truth In This Art: Stories That MatterEmpowering African American Portraiture: Unveiling the Artistic Journey of Monica IkegwuMonica Ikegwu is a Baltimore-based artist with a remarkable talent for African American portraiture, using vivid colors, intricate textures, and innovative compositions to capture the essence and power of her subjects. In a thought-provoking interview on "The Truth in This Art" hosted by Rob Lee, Monica shares her artistic journey, drawing inspiration from her family and surroundings, and her accomplishments, including prestigious awards like the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation grant and the AXAArt prize. Throughout the conversation, she explores the significance of African American representation in the art world and its transformative impact on narratives and self-discovery. Discover how Monica's...2021-05-1924 min
Art and BS Podcast082 - "Them Edges Tho" feat. Monica IkegwuMonica Ikegwu joins us on this episode, tapping in from Baltimore, MD. We get a chance to talk about her painting process, her musical tastes, we also get a chance to learn more about her work, Nigerian food, James gets in his bag and goes on a few rants, and the usual Art and BS. Check out Monica's work on Instagram @monica165 after you shoot her the follow, hop over to @artandbspodcast and let us know what you think in the comments. 2021-03-111h 37