Artist Statement
“Spirit of our Ancestors” is a homage to a lineage unknown, envisioned by me, a Black woman artist longing for connection to my roots. The canvas presents imagined ancestors, each a testament to resilience and dignity, symbolizing the rich diversity of my heritage. Their varied expressions and hues articulate our shared humanity and the complex weave of individual and collective histories.
The faces, portraying a blend of strength and gentility, wisdom and curiosity, represent both a forgotten lineage and the relentless spirit that survives in their descendants. They invite viewers to ponder our lineage perspective on our contemporary lives, our challenges, and our triumphs in the pursuit of equality and recognition.
This artwork is a dialogue across time, urging reflection on personal heritage and the wider human saga. It’s an interweaving of historical imagination with current introspection, aimed to empower and deepen our sense of community and self-awareness.