These socially conscious expressionist paintings are emotional, declarative, and sometimes personal. My depiction of the subjects is a psychoanalysis of how they have become trapped by circumstances beyond their control.

They are painted to bear witness and intended to engender conversations, move people, and encourage new thinking or behavior. They are not making any argument; they were created as acts of remembrance.

This painting, Threnody (Lament), is based on the Pietà, which is about the fulfillment of prophecy. Mary knew from the day her son was conceived that she would survive him. That is every parent’s worst horror. Black mothers, especially, believe it’s inevitable.

I purposely left the woman’s son anonymous to actually represent all of the victims. At the last moment, however, I decided that I had to at least leave a clue to one of the victims.