Treat Me Like Fire depicts the iconic image of Angela Basset portraying her role as Bernadine Harris in the 1995 film Waiting to Exhale. Her powerful stance embodies what it means to be unapologetically black. Her power is enhanced by the flames that roar behind her. The title of this piece is also inspired by the song “Treat Me Like Fire” by LION BABE. Fire is beautiful, it breathes life, but it can also be dangerous. The same can be said for black women in America. Treat Me Like Fire urges black women in America to own their powerful feelings, and to warn those who want to misuse or abuse their power. 

“Treat Me Like Fire” (2023)

16 in x 20 in 

Acrylic paint and pearl beads on stretched canvas