Kamala, by Julie Grist
Oil on cotton paper, 9"x12", February 2021
Painting Series: KAMALA HARRIS
(Series statement written in January 2021).
In a couple of Washington Post opinion articles published this week, writers Karen Attiah and Robin Givhan raise the idea that Black progress in White patriarchal power systems is often followed by social backlash and the diminishment or repeal of any positive effect. Exhibit A of that is what followed after the 44th president.
In the wake of the historical significance of Kamala Harris becoming the next vice president of the United States and after the thoughtlessness in representing her image on February’s Vogue cover, we’re going to mark this moment in history by painting our own portrait versions of her.
This has been a year in which strong Black women have shaken things up, forged a new direction, and saved us all from succumbing to another term of authoritarian chaos. And yet, they continue to be maligned as intimidating and unfeminine, reducing their social victories and historical significance with a push to make them look “approachable” and “accessible” in visual representations.
- Signed by artist
- Unframed.
- This painting is in Ojai, California.
- Buyer covers packing and shipping fees: $15 if it ships within the US. $25 if it ships internationally.
Check out Julie Grist's website: www.juliegrist.com. Follow her on IG: @julgrist
