Spring 2018

Harmonia Rosales created this painting titled 'Spring', continuing her work in oil to challenge the Western art canon. Here, Rosales presents a young Black girl adorned with flowers and pearls, set against a gold-leafed background. Rosales appropriates the visual language of Renaissance and Baroque painting, a history dominated by white figures. By re-casting classical imagery with Black subjects, Rosales confronts the historical exclusion of people of color from positions of beauty and power within Western art institutions. The title, 'Spring,' suggests themes of renewal and potential. The girl's gaze is direct, challenging the viewer to reconsider the role of representation in shaping cultural values. Rosales uses the tools of art history to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable visual culture. Further study of Rosales's work, alongside the history of representation in Western art, allows for a deeper understanding of the politics of imagery and the potential for art to challenge social norms.