Zeinab Diomande’s ethereal and whimsical paintings show “the Black figure in leisure”

Throughout their paintings, Zeinab Diomande’s subjects can be seen reclining on beds, peacefully floating in water, and simply taking a moment to themselves. This is because her works deal with the idea of “the Black figure in leisure”, and, by extension, “taking up space, mental health and healing my Black girl inner child”. Zeinab expands: “People from marginalised communities in leisure, including myself, are always seen as a radical act/a political act. Can’t one just 'be'? Being means existing without trying to prove anything.”

Inspired by the similarly vibrant works of painters Bob Thompson, Theresa Chromati and Naudline Pierre, Zeinab is drawn to high-key colours, dynamic composition, mixed media and whimsical scenes. With deep reds and blue, flashes of neon and a unique, expressive portraiture style, Zeinab creates stunning portrayal of individuals truly at ease.