Take a Knee 2 Stand Up

From the Artist: The year 2020 we all got to witness a lot. COVID-19 was new to us and the world. The death of time through the mask, staying home, staying safe, Zooming day in and day out, unfortunate COVID breakouts, death tolls rising. I reflect. Within the confines of this elongated radical sculpted shape stretcher. In this abstract painting, I am expressing my disdain for the ills that continue to go on in this country (USA) and the lack of accountability and equal justice towards all people of color. My iconic uses of gesture as well as splatters of paint throughout the painting as well woven within and on the painted surface, are silhouetted images of a person Taking a Knee in red, yellow and black. It is symbolic of the many races and cultures here and abroad joining the fight for justice. Metaphorically, by taking a knee you are Standing up (as is written from right to left) to what is wrong, saying ENOUGH! Subtle abstract shapes of bells within the painting represent liberty and freedom. The words that came across my mind as I was painting the bell were of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Let Freedom Ring). Bright rich colors give a sense of hope to counteract the everyday news of despair.