Mind Your Business

"Mind your business," a captivating creation by Bassey Asukwo, serves not only as art but as a profound manifesto for the essence of self-determination and the honor of personal sovereignty. Here we have a woman, the epitome of poise and self-command, reigning supreme within her own realm. She needs no external validation; her authority is inherent, her reign self-evident, her majesty self-endowed.

This central figure in Asukwo's oeuvre stands as the embodiment of courage, her elegance untainted by the discord of voices that seek to direct her life's course. She presents a bastion of strength, affirming the necessity of setting robust boundaries. Her stance is not one of defiance without cause, but rather an affirmation of her inviolable autonomy, her deliberate choices, and she deserved place in every space she graces.

The artwork resonates with those who have navigated the turbulent waters of life and those who have faced the uninvited opinions and intrusions of others. It narrates the moments when strangers, driven by their own biases, try to diminish one's inherent sense of belonging, insisting on who should be where. The work delves into the dynamics of racism, capturing the confrontation with boldness and the determination to claim one's rightful space despite opposition.

Yet, amidst this turmoil, the woman in Asukwo's painting remains undisturbed. With a gaze that is both steely and serene, she confronts the world with a tranquil resolve. She stands as an icon of living authentically, resolute in the knowledge of her own identity. She understands her worth, recognizes the extent of her virtues, and draws strength from this deep well of self-awareness to resist the pressures of external judgment.

Amidst her unwavering journey toward personal success, she pauses to reflect on the authenticity of a life lived purposefully and with vigor. She has scaled the proverbial mountains of life, not just surviving but thriving as she forges her path with the stride of a lioness. Her journey is punctuated with moments of self-doubt—the universal specter of impostor syndrome—yet this does not deter her. She confronts these feelings head-on, using them as catalysts to propel her onward to greater heights of ambition and self-realization.

Her existence is a series of conscious, bold decisions. She crafts a life not merely well-lived but lived truthfully on her own terms, an anthem to the triumph of authenticity and self-trust over doubt and fear.

Owning "Mind your business" transcends mere art collection; it is a declaration of one's commitment to authenticity. It is an assertion of belief in the sanctity of one's unique path and the crucial act of establishing a space in this world that is unapologetically one's own. The artwork stands as a constant reminder to set and maintain one's boundaries, to honor one's true self, and to navigate life's journey with a steadfast sense of personal truth.

This piece is a celebration of the inner strength required to embrace our individuality, stand firm against the tides of conformity, and flourish amidst life's adversities. It is a tribute to each soul who has maintained their integrity amidst the tumult of societal pressures and emerged with their spirit empowered and intact.

Asukwo's artistry beckons us to engage with a narrative that echoes across the human experience—a timeless tale of maintaining one's integrity in a world often eager to erode it. The woman in the painting is a beacon of resilience, her image a rallying cry for all who aspire to live a life of purpose, passion, and authenticity.

The journey of the woman in "Mind Your Business" is a mirror of our own. It reflects the myriad struggles that interlace the human condition—the battle for recognition, the quest for achievement, and the relentless pursuit of living our truths. It is a path fraught with challenges yet rich with victories, each significant and sculpting.

In moments of quiet introspection, she contemplates the path she has walked and the path ahead, finding solace in her unwavering sense of self. She is not merely following the road to success; she is defining what success truly means for her, living authentically according to her own truths.

Let this artwork be a beacon for all who seek to stand resolute in their truth, for all who choose to live authentically. It reminds us that within each of us lies the capacity to be the sovereign of our existence, to honor the integrity of our being, and to forge a legacy as distinct as our own indelible mark upon the world.