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20” x 24”

Acrylic

2002

A gift to a friend who is passionate about Brazil, this painting represents the country by displaying a proud yet easily approachable woman.  One of the few subjects I’ve painted that is explicitly smiling, she embodies the welcoming feeling my friend feels when he visits Brazil.  However, Brazil is a very diverse country dealing with many of the social ills as the United States when it comes to racial injustices and under-representation of certain ethnic groups.  Thus, it is by design to depict Brazil in the form of a black female surrounded by the beauty and colors of her essence.

With her head held high and her arms raised in prayer, this subject conjures up the importance her title suggests.  She fills up most of the space of the canvas, further highlighting her importance as a central role in her society.  While priestesses through out history have been revered, they have also been feared, often solely because the represent powerful women in control.  But this subject has a calming effect on the viewer, as she exudes confidence and hope.

Priestess

24” x 30”

Acrylic

2002