A Journey into Empowerment
In 2023, the foundational year of this series, I completed 6 large-scale portraits that first established my core theme of intertwining the figure with her environment. This visual blending serves as a metaphor for how our cultural backgrounds and environments are inextricably woven into our lives, shaping our identities whether we realize it or not. Driven by a desire to honor female empowerment and resilience during intense global times, I gave these subjects an unyielding and strong gaze that demands to be seen. This batch also marked the beginning of my deep exploration into using hair and intricate, symbolic patterns as central drivers of my artistic vision.
The Spark: From a Single Commission to a Global Calling
They say inspiration can strike at any moment, but for me, it arrived in 2023 with a single commission that acted as a lightning rod for years of pent-up observation and emotion. After a lull in my creative practice, this project sparked an unexpected and deep-seated urge to create that I simply couldn't ignore.
It was more than just a return to the easel; it was a response to the world around me. The collective power of the #metoo movement, the tragic loss of Mahsa Amini, and the heartbreaking images of immigrant mothers being separated from their children all converged in my mind. These weren't just headlines; they were stories of identity, resilience, and the universal strength of women that demanded to be told through my own visual language.
This "new calling" reignited my career with a level of energy and focus I hadn’t felt in years. It pushed me to use my portraiture as a vessel for these themes; utilizing hair, pattern, and color not just as decoration, but as symbols of heritage and unyielding spirit. This burst of inspiration became the foundation for the series I am so passionate about today.
2024: A Year of Absolute Momentum
This reignited energy translated directly into a massive year of production. In 2024, I completed 11 original paintings to the previous 6 pieces in the series, ranging from large-scale 48x48-inch statements to intimate studies:
Maya (48x48in)
Amelia (48x48in)
Rose (48x48in)
Ruby (48x48in)
Teresa (46x46in)
Mary (36x56in)
Mary & Rosie (36x46in)
Azalea (36x48in)
Moniza (30x34in)
Jade (18x22in)
Leona (12x12in)
Watching these pieces move from my studio to gallery walls—including the Affordable Art Fair NYC, Arts Mid-Hudson, and Miriam Restaurants in NYC has been the ultimate validation of this new chapter.
I’ve found my calling, a purpose, and I can’t wait to continue creating.
Much love,
Mari
