This series is born from the question of choosing between safety and happiness… in being Black. Out. Alive. The choice between “life”, death, and the commodification of Black bodies for entertainment & display. Caged Bird by Maya Angelou was my first-point of reference in pondering: Can both happiness and safety coincide with existing while Black? 

I bought tickets to see the sky
Where’s The Happiness In Safety?

Watercolor & Ink on paper
12 x 18”
2020