2020

16 x 20 inches

oil paint on canvas

"Favela" is an oil painting that captures the vibrant essence of Port au Prince, Haiti, while paying homage to my mother's connection to this captivating place. As Baptist missionaries, my grandparents lived in Haiti for just under a decade, and my mother spent her formative teenage years immersed in its culture and people. This painting is a homage to her memories, as it was told to  me.

The choice of a green color palette serves as a representation of youthfulness, growth, and vitality. Green, often associated with nature and new beginnings, represents the exuberance and optimism of youth. It is an exploration of the profound contradictions present in our world, where beauty and struggle often coexist.