Blessed are Those Who Overcome the Harshest Realities - Jessie Smith
48”h x 47”w
Mural Print: Colored pencil reprinted on aluminum composite
Hanger free and customizable for any hanging or framing system. Weatherized print and suitable for indoor or outdoor display.
Artist Statement: Blessed are Those who Overcome the Harshest Realities was woefully inspired by the trials America has experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the burgeoning income inequality gap, and the grave reality that ours is a nation built on the foundations of white supremacy and colonization, all visually represented by nature that evokes resiliency and adaptability. This piece serves as an epitaph to the lives lost to Covid, and is a grim reminder of the harsh realities still facing our country. The focal point, three black bear skulls haloed by a gold ring, represents the 300,000 American lives lost to the COVID-19 virus, the number when I first conceived this piece. We have since lost an additional 186,000 Americans in the time it took me to complete it.
The Faberge eggs within the bears jaws represent the fragile tension caused because of the United States obsession with its wealth, status, and patriotism over its most vulnerable citizens. The eggs dripping in teardrop pearls as if the skulls are salivating, craving the sustenance such treasures and societal equality could provide. Adorned with bejeweled target diadems made from pearl chains and accented by tear drop pearls, represent the tears wept for those unfairly targeted with malice for the color of their skin. The tears wept for the loss of so many during this terrible pandemic. The starry sky depicting the Drinking Gourd constellation reflects the still present journey our country faces in changing the status quo to a more equitable future for all of America's citizens. The asterism Draco; guardian of the garden containing the golden apples in the trials of Hercules, an allegorical reminder of the treasures we gain in overcoming adversity. In the end this piece is ultimately a prayer for all of humankind; may we emerge from this hour of darkness resilient and equal.
48”h x 47”w
Mural Print: Colored pencil reprinted on aluminum composite
Hanger free and customizable for any hanging or framing system. Weatherized print and suitable for indoor or outdoor display.
Artist Statement: Blessed are Those who Overcome the Harshest Realities was woefully inspired by the trials America has experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the burgeoning income inequality gap, and the grave reality that ours is a nation built on the foundations of white supremacy and colonization, all visually represented by nature that evokes resiliency and adaptability. This piece serves as an epitaph to the lives lost to Covid, and is a grim reminder of the harsh realities still facing our country. The focal point, three black bear skulls haloed by a gold ring, represents the 300,000 American lives lost to the COVID-19 virus, the number when I first conceived this piece. We have since lost an additional 186,000 Americans in the time it took me to complete it.
The Faberge eggs within the bears jaws represent the fragile tension caused because of the United States obsession with its wealth, status, and patriotism over its most vulnerable citizens. The eggs dripping in teardrop pearls as if the skulls are salivating, craving the sustenance such treasures and societal equality could provide. Adorned with bejeweled target diadems made from pearl chains and accented by tear drop pearls, represent the tears wept for those unfairly targeted with malice for the color of their skin. The tears wept for the loss of so many during this terrible pandemic. The starry sky depicting the Drinking Gourd constellation reflects the still present journey our country faces in changing the status quo to a more equitable future for all of America's citizens. The asterism Draco; guardian of the garden containing the golden apples in the trials of Hercules, an allegorical reminder of the treasures we gain in overcoming adversity. In the end this piece is ultimately a prayer for all of humankind; may we emerge from this hour of darkness resilient and equal.
*** We appreciate your support of the Allez program and Allez artists. Please understand your purchase is a weather-resistant outdoor art piece displayed in an urban environment for public enjoyment for the duration of the exhibit. Normal wear and tear of an outdoor art piece should be expected. There are special inherent risks, such as, mother nature, accidents, vandalism that could compromise the artwork. Allez will make every effort to protect the work during exhibition and will be available “as is” at the conclusion of the exhibit.