Artist Statement: “Heart of Gold”
This piece emerged from profound frustration with how Black people are perceived and portrayed. Biased media narratives and harmful stereotypes have obscured our full humanity for far too long. This piece is my response, a visual reclamation of truth.
At the center is an anatomical heart encased in gold, set in front of the African American flag. I chose an anatomical heart deliberately, not a simple heart symbol, but the real, complex organ that sustains life. The gold represents what I witness every day: Black people with hearts of gold. People overflowing with passion, thoughtfulness, care, and love. People who extend generosity and kindness freely, often going out of their way to show it, even when the world has shown them cruelty. The flag anchors this golden heart in Black identity and collective experience.
This is my counter-narrative to every distorted image and biased assumption. Black humanity is rich and complex, and has always been golden. It is up to you to choose to see it or not.
This piece emerged from profound frustration with how Black people are perceived and portrayed. Biased media narratives and harmful stereotypes have obscured our full humanity for far too long. This piece is my response, a visual reclamation of truth.
At the center is an anatomical heart encased in gold, set in front of the African American flag. I chose an anatomical heart deliberately, not a simple heart symbol, but the real, complex organ that sustains life. The gold represents what I witness every day: Black people with hearts of gold. People overflowing with passion, thoughtfulness, care, and love. People who extend generosity and kindness freely, often going out of their way to show it, even when the world has shown them cruelty. The flag anchors this golden heart in Black identity and collective experience.
This is my counter-narrative to every distorted image and biased assumption. Black humanity is rich and complex, and has always been golden. It is up to you to choose to see it or not.
