ALA is a mixed media painting that honors the resilience, wisdom, and strength of Black women, and the traditions that continue to guide us through generations. The headwrap is central to this work, shaped to resemble Africa itself and standing as a powerful symbol of heritage and belonging. For me, the headwrap is more than clothing. It is a ritual of self-expression, pride, and identity that has been preserved across diaspora communities. By shaping it in this way, I wanted to affirm that our roots remain intact, no matter how far migration and displacement may carry us.
The three bands on her sleeve connect to African cultural thought and spirituality. They represent the physical world of lived experience, the spiritual dimension that guides us, and the universal consciousness that binds humanity together. In African traditions these realms are inseparable, reminding us that strength is found in balance, resilience, and harmony.
This painting is part of my Trendsetters collection, which consists of 17 mixed media works of powerful art created to embody the influence of African culture, spirituality, and its lasting impact on the world. Through ALA I wanted to show that tradition and modern creativity are not opposites but parts of the same story. This piece is a call to honor the legacy of underrepresented women and to affirm that African culture, in all its beauty and resilience, is central to the story of humanity and must be carried forward by future generations.