FOUR WOMEN

Influenced by Nina Simone's powerful song "Four Women," first heard in 2018, this large quadriptych resonates deeply with my experiences and observations as a Black woman in America. The song poignantly addresses stereotypes and burdens borne by Black women, themes that remain relevant and are reflected in this artwork. This painting consists of four panels, each corresponding to one of the women named in Simone's song: Peaches, Sweet Thing, Saffronia, and Aunt Sarah. The choice of materials and colors is symbolic; using only brown and black on raw canvas, the piece employs various techniques to convey its message. Each panel features a black background, symbolizing the heavy burdens shouldered by Black women due to societal pressures and internal struggles. The names are subtly inscribed in the bottom right corner of each panel, a deliberate design to illustrate how society often marginalizes and underestimates Black women, relegating them to a position of perceived insignificance. T