Pool Of Affirmations

This piece was inspired by how cowboys, also referred to as headsmen in various parts of Africa, are categorized as violent and aggressive individuals and are often subjected to various negative stereotypes in African societies.

While it’s true that some cowboys engage in violence, the vast majority are hardworking, peaceful men who simply want to provide for their families and communities. These men are often the backbone of their society, and deserve to be celebrated and respected.

The piece was inspired by the Egyptian goddess Hathor. The image of a woman who is half-nude and holding a skull of a cow with large horns is a powerful visual representation of the goddess.

In ancient Egyptian mythology, Hathor was the goddess of love, beauty, joy, and fertility. She was often depicted as a cow, with large horns that symbolized her power and strength. The skull of the cow in my work represents the goddess's association with death and rebirth, as well as her role as a protector of the dead.

The piece captures the essence of the Egyptian goddess Hathor and pays homage to her powerful and complex symbolism.

The piece a visual tribute to Yasuke but also an exploration of the complex relationships between cultures and the transformative power of acceptance and recognition.

Yasuke was a black warrior who reached the rank of samurai under the rule of Oda Nobunaga - a powerful 16th Century Japanese feudal lord who was the first of the three unifiers of Japan.

When Nobunaga bestowed the rank of samurai on Yasuke the idea of a non-Japanese samurai was something unheard of.

As the first foreign-born samurai, Yasuke fought important battles alongside Oda Nobunaga.

"Kingmaker" is a piece of art that highlights the often-overlooked role of women in shaping the course of history.

The piece is centered around the idea of women who hold significant power and influence, yet operate behind the scenes. In particular, the title implies that these women have the ability to shape the course of history by influencing the actions and decisions of powerful men.

The piece may be interpreted as a commentary on the gender dynamics of power, and how women have historically been excluded from formal positions of authority and decision-making. By portraying women as "kingmakers," the artwork challenges the traditional notion that only men have the ability to shape the course of history.

It is a powerful reminder that women have always been present in the shadows, exerting their influence and shaping the world in ways that are often unseen and unrecognized.