I often fall prey to omitting joy in my painting. Phrases like ‘black girl magic’ and ‘black boy joy’ have been so commodified since 2020 that I have to actively stop myself from devaluing them. Black boys expressing joy in this world is a radical act, and black girls are magical, full stop. So I guess I’m reclaiming these phrases for myself, and putting that energy into my work. With this series of paintings and this piece in particular, I’ve made a conscious effort to depict more joy. My hope is that by offering images of black women safely expressing desire, frustration, grief, and joy, I humanize our lived experience.

baby face it, i’m doing good (so good, so good)
2024
Oil on wood panel, foam clay frame
11 x 14 inches