Marsha P Johnson

Acrylics on Canvas, 18 x 18", 2025

The decision to paint Marsha P. Johnson (American activist) in black and white was meant to capture a moment in history rather than attempt to reinterpret an event that I was not present for. The choice I made in painting her was and still is, regardless of anyone else's interpretations, my love letter to our queer and trans elders who fought for our right to exist today. I wanted to render her joyful despite the tribulations and oppression she faced simply for walking this earth knowing exactly who she is and not being ashamed of it. Today I was reminded of her joy as I cried to myself in the bathroom after a class critique. I felt as if I failed my community by painting her. I felt as if I brought shame to the very community that has saved my life. But that joy she had within her. Trans joy is something I will not ever allow anyone to ever take away from me again. I'm well aware the history of trans identities and the queer community is not a black-and-white issue. As a POC and a queer trans person, I am acutely aware of this. The grisaille was meant to capture an old moment in time of trans joy. Something, no matter how many people try to steal from us, will never go away. We are here; we've always been here and will continue to stay here. Art has always been an act of protest, so forgive my radical idea to paint someone who fought for my friends I's right to exist freely.