Afrodite is the first piece and original muse of the Black by Popular Demand series. This piece is an abstract rendition of Birth of Venus (1485, Sandro Botticelli). In this rendition, Afrodite’s arms are outstretched in a stance full of grace, sexual liberation, and power. The pearls are used here as an aid to shed the misconceptions of what the female body should look like. Along with the theme of elegance, Afrodite stands in a purple oyster juxtaposing the pale oyster from the original painting. Purple represents royalty, wealth, and power so the viewer is reminded that black women are all of this and so much more. 

“Afrodite” 

8in x 8 in 

Acrylic paint and pearl beads on stretched canvas