This piece tells the story of transformation and reclamation. The phrase "we ain’t wadin’ in the water no more..." is both a rejection of survival as the sole narrative for Black existence and a declaration of thriving.
Once, wading in the water symbolized struggle and escape, a reminder of the perilous journeys enslaved Africans took to secure freedom. Here, that narrative is flipped: the water now represents leisure, choice, and joy, as these women revel in their bodies and surroundings.
The tropical setting reflects an imagined space where nature and humanity coexist in harmony—a place where healing is cultivated. The turned page reminds us that history cannot be erased but can be transformed. These women have turned the page on past trauma, rewriting their stories to center pleasure, autonomy, and resilience.
The reimagined Statue of Liberty anchors this vision of liberation. It symbolizes a new kind of freedom, one not granted but taken—defined by self-determination and the collective power of Black women. As the sun sets on an old world, it rises on a new one where these women embody their divine essence unapologetically.
This artwork invites viewers to dream of their own greener pastures, urging us to turn the page on narratives of limitation and embrace boundless possibilities.
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil
• Paper weight: 189 g/m²
• Opacity: 94%
• ISO brightness: 104%
• Paper is sourced from Japan
