Ben Put

Ben Put’s work Royalty is far more than a classical portrait; it is a profound homage to the indomitable dignity and resilience of African women. Inspired by his experiences in Kenya, Put articulates the tension between existential poverty and the remarkable inner strength of his protagonist. The composition reflects elements of ethnic art, particularly through the traditional patterns and vibrant colors of the headtie (Gele), which stands in almost cubist geometric abstraction. This vibrantly colored crown becomes a central symbol of a force that asserts its place at the heart of society despite oppression and the harshest living conditions.

Stylistically, the painting sits at the intersection of contemporary figurative art and neo-expressionism. While the face is rendered with calm clarity, vibrant primary colors and dynamic drip-painting effects break the form at the bottom of the canvas. These deliberate trickles of paint function as a visual metaphor for the raw and unfiltered nature of everyday life, while simultaneously underlining the work’s contemporary aesthetic. Royalty invites the viewer to look beyond the obvious and recognize the “royal” nature within everyday endurance—a powerful symbiosis of political awareness and artistic excellence.