Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
24×24×1.5 Oil on canvas. This work was inspired by the pure, uninhibited joy of Black childhood. I wanted to capture one of those fleeting moments when a child is completely present—surrounded by color, wonder, and possibility. The balloons represent celebration and imagination, while his upward gaze suggests curiosity and excitement about what lies ahead. For me, the painting is also about the importance of portraying Black children through images of happiness, innocence, freedom, and hope.
I hope viewers smile when they see this painting. His expression is intentionally the emotional center of the work; his joy feels spontaneous rather than posed. I want it to remind viewers of childhood moments when something as simple as balloons could feel magical.
At another level, I want viewers to think about Black boy joy and the importance of seeing Black boys represented as children first—laughing, dreaming, exploring, and experiencing tenderness and happiness. The image celebrates his innocence without asking him to represent struggle or hardship.
The contrast between his grayscale portrait and the brilliant balloons is especially meaningful to me. He remains the focus, while the explosion of purple, orange, yellow, green, red, and blue around him becomes almost a visual expression of what joy feels like.
Ultimately, I want the painting to leave viewers with a feeling of hope, possibility, and celebration—a reminder that Black childhood deserves to be seen in full color.
24×24×1.5 Oil on canvas. This work was inspired by the pure, uninhibited joy of Black childhood. I wanted to capture one of those fleeting moments when a child is completely present—surrounded by color, wonder, and possibility. The balloons represent celebration and imagination, while his upward gaze suggests curiosity and excitement about what lies ahead. For me, the painting is also about the importance of portraying Black children through images of happiness, innocence, freedom, and hope.
I hope viewers smile when they see this painting. His expression is intentionally the emotional center of the work; his joy feels spontaneous rather than posed. I want it to remind viewers of childhood moments when something as simple as balloons could feel magical.
At another level, I want viewers to think about Black boy joy and the importance of seeing Black boys represented as children first—laughing, dreaming, exploring, and experiencing tenderness and happiness. The image celebrates his innocence without asking him to represent struggle or hardship.
The contrast between his grayscale portrait and the brilliant balloons is especially meaningful to me. He remains the focus, while the explosion of purple, orange, yellow, green, red, and blue around him becomes almost a visual expression of what joy feels like.
Ultimately, I want the painting to leave viewers with a feeling of hope, possibility, and celebration—a reminder that Black childhood deserves to be seen in full color.