Obi Emmanuel Agwam (B.1999 in Lagos Nigeria), is a painter based in New York City. In his work he predicts the future, reflects on the past, and represents the present. He composes black figures as cartoons as a means of creating a more dreamlike and free setting. He uses imagery of stars, smiles and black figures to express his interpretations of stories from growing up in Jamaica, Queens with the people he loves. Agwam’s work is the amalgamation of the black experience in New York City. A Smile For Tomorrow is a series of works that play on the idea of staying optimistic through troubled times. This exhibition aims to transport the viewer to a familiar yet fictional plane, where dreams, cityscapes, and black figures collide. Throughout his body of work flowers are mystically floating as a metaphor of the ever-present cycle of life and death. Each character has their own narrative that reflects current events or stories told from the past. Obi Agwam interprets the black figures as almost recognizable cartoon characters with elongated, exaggerated features, and large smiles with protruding teeth. The characters are usually in a city setting or suspended in space with varied textures and colors. Extra large mouths, red lips, exaggerated features on some of the characters are all references to depictions of black figures from the past in America. Agwam strives to challenge the negative imagery and stereotypes of black people by reclaiming ownership through his paintings.