No Why: The Weight of Unwanted Transitions

At its core, No Why explores unwanted transitions—a disruption of the familiar, of control, and of identity. The man’s reaction to the pregnancy suggests a resistance to change, a refusal to embrace the next phase of life. The woman, standing with quiet resilience, is the catalyst for that change. The space they occupy—a grand, European-style room—further amplifies this emotional discord.

In No Why, the first artwork I created after my solo exhibition, I explore a moment of emotional rupture between two characters—a pregnant woman and a man who seems visibly disturbed by the situation. The environment is a striking contrast: an opulent, European-style interior, rich with history and tradition, occupied by two Black figures whose presence disrupts the assumed narrative of the space.

At first glance, the scene is quiet. Yet, the details betray a tension too thick to ignore: scattered papers on the floor, a half-empty bottle on the table, a man lost in his thoughts, and a woman standing in quiet defiance. The contrast between their emotions and their surroundings makes one wonder—why is he upset? What does this child represent to him? And perhaps most importantly, why does he resist what is happening?

Unwanted Transitions and the Burden of Legacy

The central conflict in No Why revolves around change and resistance. The woman, carrying life, is moving forward. The man, seated, seemingly weighed down, is stuck. The pregnancy is not just a literal event—it is a metaphor for a transition he is unwilling to embrace.

This emotional resistance reflects a broader theme of legacy and choice—particularly the struggles of Black individuals navigating spaces historically not made for them. The European-style room is more than just a setting; it represents systems, traditions, and expectations that may not align with the realities of the characters within it. Do they belong here? Is this a moment of triumph—occupying a space their ancestors were denied—or is it a reminder that no matter how luxurious the setting, personal struggles remain universal?

A Real-Life Parallel: The Fear of Fatherhood

This scene echoes the real-life experiences of many men who find themselves unexpectedly facing fatherhood. A well-known example is the story of Richard Williams, the father of tennis legends Serena and Venus Williams. Before embracing his role as a father and coach, Richard initially struggled with the weight of responsibility, contemplating walking away from the family he would later help shape into greatness. His fear wasn’t just about becoming a parent—it was about whether he was capable of raising children who could succeed in a world stacked against them.

Much like Richard Williams, the man in No Why may not be upset about the child itself, but about what it means—the responsibility, the unknown, and the inevitable shift from the present to an uncertain future.

Design Principles in Play:

1. Duality & Contrast – This scene thrives on duality. The elegance of the European decor clashes with the raw, unfiltered emotions of the Black characters. The environment is opulent, a space historically coded as “belonging” to another group, yet these figures disrupt that narrative simply by existing in it. But rather than feeling like they own the space, there’s an unease—like they are visitors, or ghosts in a setting that doesn’t recognize them.

2. Noise = Reality – Look at the scattered papers, the drinks on the table, the disarray. These are imperfections that contrast with the polished decor, making the scene feel more lived-in, more real. It reflects the messiness of life itself—the way we try to keep things pristine, but human emotion and consequence inevitably disrupt that order.

3. Darkness as a Persona – The dimly lit room isn't just atmospheric; it embodies the tension, the hidden thoughts, and the weight of unspoken words. The man’s expression and body language suggest inner turmoil—does he feel trapped? Does he fear responsibility? There’s something unsaid between them, and the darkness holds those words hostage.

4. Signs of Transition – The woman, carrying a child, is the literal embodiment of change. Her stance, both vulnerable and defiant, suggests an awareness of what’s to come. The man, in contrast, seems stuck—hand on the bottle, eyes averted, body tense. He is resisting the transition, unwilling to step into the next role.

5. Cinematic Immersion – This feels like a single frame from a larger story. You can feel the weight of what came before and what will follow. The choice of setting, composition, and lighting makes it easy to imagine this as a film still—one where the dialogue is minimal but the emotions are loud.

Deeper Exploration: What’s Being Said About Parenthood & Legacy?

• Is this about choice vs. obligation? The pregnancy is happening whether he wants it or not.

• Is this about historical displacement? A Black couple in an overtly European setting—do they truly belong here, or is this a metaphor for how structures of power remain unchanged, even when the people inside them shift?

• Does this highlight gendered expectations? The woman seems calm, almost resolved, while the man is the one unraveling—challenging the stereotype that women are the emotional ones in moments like these.

Final Thoughts

No Why is a study of resistance—resistance to change, resistance to reality, resistance to an inevitable future. The title itself suggests denial, as if the man is asking, “Why is this happening?” when the answer is clear: because life moves forward, whether we’re ready or not.

Would love to hear if this resonates with what you envisioned. Want to push it further in any direction?