butterlies of joy | mother’s cloth | ascending, 2022

Oil on canvas, mixed media

12 x 36 inches each

This triptych is a tribute to the radiant beauty, strength, and shared sisterhood between myself and the three close friends who served as the muses for this work. The piece uses mixed media to explore themes of joy, cultural heritage, and transcendence, and each panel highlights an individual journey while contributing to the unified narrative of resilience and vibrancy.

The first painting, "Butterflies of Joy," captures a moment of unrestrained joyfulness. The figure’s afro, adorned with glittering jewels and butterflies, bursts with life in radiant shades from brown to bright yellow. Her smile, accentuated by tears of gold glitter, radiates warmth and bliss. The gold glitter spilling from her cupped hands symbolizes abundance and the shedding of joy, flowing freely from her spirit beyond the canvas.

The second painting, "Mother’s Cloth," weaves memories of my own heritage. Wrapped in a fabric reminiscent of my mother's clothing, the canvas speaks to the connection between familial tradition and personal identity. The figure’s closed eyes and bantu knots evoke a quiet, inward reflection—a stillness amidst vibrant colors. The repetition of golds, reds, and blacks in the cloth echoes cultural roots, paying homage to the strength of maternal influence and the timelessness of passed-down customs.

In the final piece, "Ascending," the figure is depicted as a black silhouette with flowing locs that descend like roots, intertwining with the earth, while her upward gaze suggests ascension and growth. The contrast between the solid silhouette and the ethereal yellow background represents both groundedness and the spiritual journey of rising above. Black flowers in her hair further emphasize her connection to both nature and inner strength, portraying a harmony between rootedness and transcendence.

Together, these three works form a narrative of empowerment, cultural continuity, and the exuberance of womanhood, emphasizing the interconnectedness of joy, ancestry, and elevation.