This collection, inspired by the haunting song "Strange Fruit," incorporates its lyrics to make a powerful statement against racial injustices. The song, first sung by Billie Holiday in 1939 and originally a poem by Abel Meeropol (under the pseudonym Lewis Allen), serves as a poignant protest against the lynching of African Americans.
Each painting in "Strange Fruit" is imbued with symbolism, reflecting the ongoing struggle against injustices ranging from lynching and wrongful imprisonment to modern-day police brutality. The artworks incorporate flags, notably the American flag and the Pan-African flag, to deepen their symbolic impact. The Pan-African flag's colors highlight the pain, strength, and beauty of African American culture, the wealth of Africa, and the solidarity of the Black community. In contrast, the American flag, presented upside down, signals a state of dire distress and extreme danger, protesting the values that have perpetuated these injustices in America.
The techniques and layouts vary across the paintings, with some texts being more legible than others, creating layers of meaning and engagement. One painting, with its peeling layers, symbolizes the bodies that were hanged during lynchings. Another features missing letters in its text, representing the lost lives and the incomplete stories of our people, whose narratives have been often hidden, destroyed, or left untold. A third painting presents text in colors that may be challenging to read, mirroring the difficulty in conveying our stories but underscoring the importance of doing so.
"Strange Fruit" is more than a visual expression of pain and suffering; it is a testament to the resilience and collective power of African Americans in their ongoing fight against these injustices. It's a reminder that these struggles are not passively endured but actively contested, a call to recognize and address the enduring impact of racial injustice.
Mixed Medium
20x16 (each)
2018