She Spoke Up XXIII, Ayanna Elizabeth Johnson
charcoal on arches paper
22.5 x 30
The ‘She Spoke Up’ series began as a reaction to the destructive and inflamed political and social climates. With the cascading revelations of the Me Too movement, centennial anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment, surreal landscape of the Covid pandemic unfolding, and the incessant assault on democracy by our elected politicians, I chose to elevate the work and words of women who have spoken truth to power, pursued freedom and equity, and transformed the broader world. Collectively the series stands as a response to so much misogyny, ill intent, sexism and obstruction.
Parrot fish, symbolizing adaptability, possibility and freedom, are potent symbols of creative potential, and the world’s intricacies and healing mechanisms. I integrated specific bird and natural imagery into each work in the series, finding their symbolism often uncannily mirrored the characteristics of each woman.
The series reflects on the struggles and inequities of the past, underscores the fundamental challenges that still exist, highlights the transformative achievements of intelligent, courageous women, and suggests possible tomorrows.
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