This painting is #4 in a running series I started in Berlin called "You're Prettier When You Smile." These works call into question societies obsession with women existing to be aesthetically pleasing for the viewing pleasure of others even when it causes women discomfort, leads to harassment and oftentimes violence.
This painting specifically ties in the two cultures of my subject, Roicia, who is Afro-Indigenous and represents both of her cultures so beautifully.
When I started this painting I wasn't sure which direction I'd go but I listened to that little voice inside that's like a compass and ended up with a powerful piece that told a potent story. This work originally debuted in Berlin for part 1 of "I Do It For The HOOD." and was aquired by a collector in Germany.
At the exhibition in Germany, I shared details and statistics about the red hand which symbolizes missing and murdered Indigenous women. My European audience was shocked and pained to learn what is happening in the U.S. So many of them had no idea and I also think so many in my homeland really have no idea what's happening.
The turquoise grill in her mouth is a fusion of her two cultures and is also meant to be a symbol of the power in her and so many other womens voices.
More about my subject, Roicia:
Roicia Banks Stewart is social worker and a pilar in her communities. She founded the Social Roots Foundation aimed at providing opportunities and resources for under served Indigenous and African American children and families and to empower BIPOC communities through the implementation of service initiatives throughout the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Currently, she is gearing up to host her third annual mental health summit for African American women in Phoenix in January and continues to fight for the well being of so many of us.
Roicia recently started a scholarship fund that is named after and dedicated to her mother who lost her battle to COVID-19 February 6, 2021. Tribal communities received little to no federal assistance to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and as a result, the casualties were countless.The Bernice Kaibetony Scholarship is dedicated to all of our Indigenous relatives who lost their battle to COVID-19 during the global pandemic.
A portion of the proceeds from these limited edition prints will be donated to the Bernice Kaibetony Scolarship fund which aids Black and Indigenous women who are entering the mental health field.
"You're Prettier When You Smile #4"
8x8"
Acrylic on Canvas
Sold.
Limited edition signed & numbered prints available via my online store.