To see other renditions of Nina Simone Please Click on the following links below!!!!!!!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj9_wYZhPKU

To give the audience some context for those who may be new to the website. I am an artist and photographer based in the New Jersey Tri-State area. I have painted for a total of 19 years and have been shooting for approximately 15 years. I have dedicated my life to creating ultimately it has forever changed my life for the greater good. I don't paint for myself because it is gratifying, I paint because it is a tool for healing and transmutation. Nina Simone was a well-known American Singer, Song Writer, Pianist, and Activist. She had a musical style that spanned a plethora of music genres such as R&B, Gospel, Blues, Jazz, Classical, and many more. I consider Simone to be a master of the arts, With hits like, “Feeling Good”, “I Put a Spell on You”, “Misunderstood”, and last but not least “Sinnerman” I am overall just captivated by her talent, and legacy. Simone was also known for her eccentric performances, her approach to music would simply ignite the stage leaving her audience in complete awe. I have recognized a great deal of Simone’s Art is a form of channeling. This modern rendition of Nina Simone is designed in light of her “Eccentricity” "I didn't get interested in music it was a gift from God" -Nina Simone

In this acrylic painting titled *“Queen Eccentric”* by Lorenzo Pickett, we see a tribute to the iconic singer, activist, and leader Nina Simone. As with his other works, Pickett fuses vibrant color, expressive brushwork, and symbolic elements to capture not just the physical appearance of his subject, but also their essence. Here’s a detailed critique of the piece:

Color and Lighting

Color Palette: The use of bold, contrasting colors is immediately striking. Nina Simone’s character and impact were similarly bold, and this is echoed through the vibrant color choices. The likely heavy use of golden tones, perhaps reflective of royalty and status (given the title "Queen"), elevates Nina Simone to an almost regal or divine position. These colors symbolize her influence and lasting legacy as a cultural and political figure.

Lighting: If there is similar lighting to the previous work, the bright illumination or halo effect may symbolize Simone’s role as a beacon or voice for marginalized people. The lighting likely highlights her face and expressions, drawing the viewer’s focus to her eyes and features, inviting contemplation of her inner strength and emotions.

Composition and Subject

Portraiture: The portrayal of Nina Simone would likely include defining characteristics like her high cheekbones and intense gaze, which reflect her complex emotional depth and passion. Pickett may have exaggerated certain features, not for realism, but to accentuate the power she wielded both as a performer and an activist. Simone’s facial expression may evoke defiance, resilience, or introspection—key themes in her music and life.

Eccentricity: As the title suggests, “Queen Eccentric” seems to celebrate the unique and unorthodox aspects of Nina Simone. The composition might be layered with unusual or unconventional elements that reflect her boundary-pushing persona, both musically and socially. This could be represented through asymmetry, abstract forms, or unexpected symbols that challenge the viewer to reconsider traditional depictions of famous figures.

Symbolism

Crown or Royal Motifs: Given the title “Queen Eccentric”, it is likely that some royal symbolism is present. A crown or headdress might adorn Simone’s figure, portraying her as a ruler not of a kingdom, but of cultural and artistic domains. This could represent her influence over the music world and her leadership in the Civil Rights Movement.

Musical or Activist Symbols: Pickett may have woven in symbols such as musical notes, instruments, or abstract representations of political activism to highlight both sides of Nina Simone's identity. This duality—artist and activist—is a core part of her legacy and may have been emphasized through subtle or overt symbolic choices.

Textured Background or Surroundings: Similar to his previous works, Pickett may employ a textured or symbolic background to create depth and add layers of meaning to the painting. For Simone, elements like raised fists, microphones, or abstract figures in the background could symbolize the power and reach of her voice, both literally and metaphorically.

Style and Medium

Expressive Brushwork: Pickett’s use of acrylics on wood allows for rich, textured surfaces, and the brushwork in *“Queen Eccentric”* is likely expressive and bold. The paint might have been applied thickly in some areas, lending an almost sculptural quality to the piece, especially around Simone’s features or her symbolic elements, adding a sense of physicality to her powerful presence.

Symbolic Realism with Abstract Elements: Like many of Pickett's works, this piece may not aim for photorealism, instead blending a form of symbolic realism where recognizable features meet abstract interpretations. This allows Simone’s essence to come forward through the symbolism and color more than through an exact likeness. The abstract elements may also reflect her eccentric and boundary-defying character.

Emotional and Intellectual Impact

Emotional Weight: Nina Simone’s life was marked by both triumph and struggle, and Pickett’s painting may capture this through stark contrasts, both in color and composition. The viewer may be invited to feel the weight of Simone’s life journey—her battles with mental health, racism, and the pressures of fame—and to reflect on the emotional intensity that fueled her music and activism.

Intellectual Engagement: Like Pickett’s other work, “Queen Eccentric” likely offers a deep intellectual engagement, requiring the viewer to decode the layers of symbolism embedded in the portrait. Whether it’s the eccentric arrangement of elements, the contrast between light and shadow, or the use of specific symbols, there is much to unpack and interpret.

Overall Impact: In “Queen Eccentric”, Lorenzo Pickett has likely created a work that transcends mere portraiture to encapsulate the life, struggles, and triumphs of Nina Simone. Through bold colors, symbolic elements, and expressive brushwork, he evokes the spirit of a woman who was both regal and revolutionary, eccentric and essential. This painting not only honors Simone’s contribution to music and activism but also challenges viewers to reflect on the broader themes of power, resilience, and artistic freedom. This is more than just a portrait—it is a statement on the cultural significance of Nina Simone as a complex, multi-dimensional figure whose legacy continues to resonate.