Enhance your art collection with this captivating acrylic on canvas painting, designed to evoke thought and admiration at every glance.

• Dimensions: 76cm x 76cm, perfect as a statement piece in any room.

• Crafted with high-quality acrylic paints for long-lasting vibrancy and texture.

• Features a powerful and intimate portrayal, adding depth and character to your space.

Bring the essence of bold self-expression and cultural pride into your home with this striking artwork. Let it inspire conversations and elevate your living area with its profound presence.

Original Painting of TY (Benedict Okwuchkwu Godwin Chijioke 17th August 1972 - 7 May 2020) painted in august of 2024. The photograph was take in Benjamin Wachenje’s brick Lane, Links Yard studio in 2009.

Benjamin met Ty in the early 1990’s and became a fan of Ty who was a prominent character in the UK hip hop scene. When Benjamin’s paintings were on display at the University of the arts Camberwell Degree show Ty came to see Benjaimn’s work and showed a real interest in the young artist. After successfully selling work from his degree show Benjamin was awarded an artist Residency with Bedford Hill gallery. The body of work created in this residency included three Paintings of TY, two of which were featured in Benjamin’s first solo exhibition “Open mic”. Benjamin and Ty found it very easy to work together and Ty repeatedly would ask Ben to Collaborate on the Artwork for his music projects resulting in numerous collaborations.

When Ty passed in 2020 Benjamin felt responsible for upholding his visual legacy to the best of his ability. In 2021 a close friend of Ty’s Jahmal was having a lot of success as a tailor and had a very popular ‘Melaninire’ print design. Ty never got to see his friend’s success but this is exactly the type of endeavour that Ty would patronise. So Benjamin edited the original 2009 photo to include his friend Jahmal’s design and used it as reference material for this acrylic on canvas painting.

Of all of the photos that Benjamin took of Ty this one was selected because the pose was unprompted and really summarises what Ty had to do to establish himself as UK’s first African hip hop archetype. And that was not listen to what anyone had to say about his unique approach. Ty had to block out a lot of noise and believe in his own unique sound and as a result he became a self made, cultural Melaninaire.

The Painting itself brings Ty into your space in very un-intrusive way and reminds you to block out the doubt, believe in your internal compass and keep pushing. From a distance it has a photographic feel, but as you draw near to the work for a close inspection you can see it is made of a million strokes, each having purpose and rhythm.