Cyril Emmanuel (X the Villain)

Money Moves is my exploration of value; not just the monetary kind, but the emotional and cultural wealth that connects us as humans. Each of the five paintings in this collection transforms the imagery on global currency notes from the American Dollar, British Pound, Swiss Franc, Nigerian Naira, and Brazilian Real into graphic movie posters, symbols of a larger story about the world we live in.

Money is often seen as a cold, impersonal force, yet it moves lives, shapes dreams, and dictates opportunities. With this collection, I wanted to reclaim that narrative and inject humanity back into these symbols of wealth. The currency art on these notes speaks to the aspirations, histories, and identities of entire nations. By framing them as cinematic stories, I invite viewers to see money not as a barrier but as a bridge; connecting us through shared struggles, ambitions, and triumphs.

The collection is bound together by the rich Egyptian palette of violet and gold, colors symbolizing wealth, wisdom, and spiritual abundance. To me, they represent something beyond material wealth: freedom—the freedom to create, to dream, and to express oneself fully.

Money Moves, a reflection of what freedom means to me: a world where art, culture, and humanity thrive beyond the constraints of class, race, or geography. It’s a call to remember that true wealth lies in compassion, creativity, and the stories we share.

We all tend to play the role of Anubis; Judge, Jury and Executioner.
To be a judge, jury, and and executioner means that a person has the authority to determine what happens to another and how it happens. They get to judge; the individual who decides the cases brought to court and how that case will be heard. They get to be a jury, a group of people who choose the verdict of the case. They get to be the executioner, the person who carries out the sentence.

"Judge, Jury and Executioner" plunges into the darkest recesses of human history, capturing moments when humanity has acted as its own worst enemy. Each painting features my alter-ego, X the villain, who embodies the roles of judge, jury, and executioner. X is not just a character; he is the raw, painful personification of our collective failures—the embodiment of the apathy and indifference that have fueled wars, genocides, and countless other atrocities. With the use of Palm oil, a material with a prolonged history of being on the receiving end of injustice perpetrated by Judge, jury and executioner. My hope is that by highlighting these historical tragedies, I can expose the frivolous nature of our apathy towards one another. The unifying thread across these works is a desperate, heartfelt plea for mercy and love, transcending race, nationality, and social class. By showcasing the monstrous consequences of our indifference, I aim to kindle a renewed commitment to empathy and solidarity.

In addressing the world's most pressing issues, "Judge, Jury and Executioner" serves as both a mirror and a beacon—a stark reflection of our past missteps and a luminous guide toward a more hopeful, unified future. This series is my impassioned contribution to the vision of a better tomorrow, a tomorrow where we recognize the power of compassion and the imperative to act with humanity.

In my acrylic painting collection, I embark on a profound exploration of the human experience, delving deep into the intricate realms of mental struggle and resilience. At the heart of this collection are the captivating snapshots of Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer. Through these dynamic images, I seek to capture the very essence of the inner battle that resides within each of us – the relentless fight against the demons of our own minds.
Muhammad Ali's life serves as an embodiment of the indomitable human spirit, marked by towering victories and grueling defeats. Within the boxing ring, he didn't just display physical prowess; he epitomized unwavering mental fortitude. His journey, fraught with adversities and challenges, parallels the internal struggles we all face – the doubts, fears, and uncertainties that often haunt our thoughts. Through my vibrant paintings of Ali, I aim to celebrate the human spirit's remarkable ability to rise above, to persist, and to conquer, even in the face of the most daunting obstacles. Yet, beneath the surface of this collection lies a profound narrative interwoven with history. I introduce elements from the looted artifacts of the Oba of Benin, artifacts that symbolize the immense suffering our ancestors endured during the harrowing era of the transatlantic slave trade.

By juxtaposing Ali's unwavering determination with the haunting legacy of these stolen treasures, I draw a poignant parallel between individual mental struggle and the collective battle of an oppressed people. The Oba of Benin's artifacts stand as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the darkest chapters of history. They embody the strength of our forebears who faced unimaginable hardships and injustices. I aspire to ignite a profound dialogue about the enduring impact of mental strife and historical oppression on our contemporary lives. These paintings are not only a tribute to the inner fighters within us all but also a homage to the unyielding spirit of those who paved the way before us.

In essence, Ali; What are you fighting for 2023 collection is a testament to the boundless potential of the human spirit, showcasing its ability to rise above adversity, fight for a brighter tomorrow, and transform what was once broken into a magnificent masterpiece. Just as Kintsugi mends the shattered with gold, we too can heal and find beauty in our imperfections. My intention is to create a space where viewers can introspect on their own battles, drawing inspiration from the unbreakable resolve of Muhammad Ali and the enduring legacy of our ancestors. My hope is that these artworks not only resonate with the observer but also embolden them to confront their own mental struggles and discover the inner strength to triumph.