Joyce Owens

Pillars #2
acrylic on canvas
48 x 36 in.

History builds our greatness. I create images that reflect my/our history, and will become part of that history. I want to contribute to the visual images that show we have been here. Without words and images we are in the position of having no history and therefore of not existing or of allowing our history to be distorted through someone else’s words and vision.

In my work I show the many faces of African Americans. These are people who had the strength to survive slavery, Jim Crow, lynching, inferior education, poverty, indignities and shame. I show that they are not one thing or one type. I examine their insecurities and their achievements, their spirit and their sorrow. I do this through my paintings and constructions.

© Joyce Owens