I’M THAT GIRL (With the Pearls) is an abstract rendition of Girl with a Pearl Earring (1665, Johannes Vermeer) and the fifth piece from the Black By Popular Demand series. This figure is inspired by Zendaya’s November/December 2020 Essence photoshoot. Notice how the light shines from the girl and illuminates the surrounding darkness. In the same way, black women claiming their space can bring light to facing the darkness of oppression daily. Similarly, this portrait is directly related to Beyonce’s hit song “I’M THAT GIRL” by reminding black girls that it’s not the pearls that bring the light, it’s simply being that girl. 

“I’M THAT GIRL (With the Pearls)” (2022)

16 in x 20 in 

Acrylic paint, oil pastels, and pearl beads on stretched canvas