Acrylic on Canvas
48 in. W x 60 in. H
Painted in 2023
"Black King with Scars" portrays a poignant narrative of resilience and reclamation. The painting's central figure is a black man, his back turned to the viewer, symbolizing a powerful gesture of turning away from the painful past while embracing a new sense of identity and strength.
The man's tan brown shirt is lowered, revealing his back bearing the indelible marks of oppression—ten whip slashes that bear witness to the cruelty of history. These scars are not just physical; they embody the enduring legacy of suffering and injustice endured by generations.
Atop his head rests a golden crown, an emblem of his worth, dignity, and the sovereignty he reclaims. This crown transcends the physical realm, representing the resilience and spirit that refuse to be broken by adversity. It speaks to his enduring nobility, an inherent royalty that cannot be diminished by external circumstances.
The background, transitioning from white at the top to a deep blue at the bottom, symbolizes the journey from darkness to light. It mirrors the process of healing and growth, as well as the vast emotional spectrum that accompanies the reclamation of identity and agency.