MaeDonna aka Saint Seirra
11” x 15”, Mixed Media
- now available as a print in the store, http://www.outofsteparts.com/print-shop/?category=Chris+Visions
Larger size is available.
Some backstory: this was a rejected sketch for a recent illustration job dealing with the following topic. How can Richmond overcome its bigoted past and become a progressive city? I sat with it for the couple days allowed, wrestling with how this could truthfully be depicted.
The sketch chosen seemed too ambiguous to me, and given the subject, especially being on the Anniversary of Charlottesville, I couldn’t let it stay there.
My truer vision went into the artwork you see here. I’ll let it speak for itself, save one note. I wrestled with having the shape of Africa come thru in the clouds more. It came to me in the finalized stage because I saw it just... there. I analyzed the shape, worked it to not feel too unnatural— and it hit on a different level. Often times it seems my heritage is but a dream living in America. Constant reminders of those who enslaved and killed my people get to stand proudly while people who look like me are killed without regard every. Day by those in authority. Yet, when a bit of paint is spilt on the demigods to remind this country of it’s true bloody history, it is white washed away.
This isn’t anything that hasn’t already been spoken by greater people who’ve paid deeper sacrifices than I. But we share the same views, hues, and same blues.
