Children of Blood and Water

Artist Statement

Children of Blood and Water examines the reality of intersectional environmentalism by encouraging protection for both the people and the planet. Communities of color and low-income households are disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards and more often exploited to live in heavily neglected and polluted areas. I wanted to represent the people by creating an uplifting and empowered figure placed by her left hand, which symbolizes responsibility. Below, the pair of orca whales shed light on oceanic pollution and the health risk that marine animals experience due to PCB contamination. PCBs are industrial man-made toxins that harm the entire planet by moving through the land, water, and air. While orcas are found in all the world’s oceans, they are also endangered as half its population is expected to collapse. This piece transforms the victim into the victor, by focusing on survival vs devastation. Geometric and Afro-indigenous totems relay themes of interconnectedness and balance while the color scheme harmonizes into a healing perspective for the viewer.

The Focus

Environmental Justice