Tonda Koroma's Page

The most important skill an artist has is the ability to see the intricacies in the simple, or the striking in the mundane. I inherited my eyes from a paternal grandmother, who quilts and a mother who lives with a flare that she expresses in everything she does. The medium I have chosen to convey what I see are acrylics and paper.

I've been in love with Africa all of my life. The juxtapositions of traditional and modernity; the effects of colonialism vs self rule; western influences vs third world...create layers and patterns that are sometimes beautiful, sometimes not, sometimes humorous and often tragic. Colors, patterns and tactile sensations of paper in my mind, mimic those complexities and help me address the ascetics of African living.

My art is very simply, cathartic self expression. There have been times in my life when I've attempted to ignore this need for expression to my own demise. So I paint because I must.