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Joy is My Weapon
I believe joy is an act of resistance. In a world filled with hate and fear, I choose to fight back with joy, love, and hopeānot as passive emotions, but as powerful forces for change. My work explores how these three elements can be sources of strength, healing, and transformation.
Joy is not just about happiness; itās about resilience. Itās about choosing light in the face of darkness, about holding on to beauty even when surrounded by struggle. Joy is active, a weapon against despair, and a declaration that we are still here, still thriving. Love is the foundation of my work. Love is radical. It connects us, strengthens us, and reminds us of our humanity. I paint love in its many formsāromantic, familial, communalābecause love is what sustains us. Love demands that we see each other, that we uplift and protect one another.
Hope is the vision that keeps us moving forward. It is knowing that something better is possible, even when we cannot see it yet. My paintings are filled with hope because I believe in a future where joy and love are not luxuries but necessities. With Joy is My Weapon, I set out to create an environment entirely focused on these themes. The world is always falling apart, but I refuse to let that consume me. This show is a reflection of who I amāmy energy, my personality, and my belief that we can choose light over darkness. For this exhibition, I worked with acrylic paint, which challenged me to think on my feet in a way that felt fresh and provocative. A fiery orange base glows beneath delicate layers of soft pink, symbolizing the power of peace and loveāforces often mistaken for weakness. My brushstrokes are bold and expressive, capturing both memories and aspirations.
One of my favorite pieces depicts a woman and children dancing around a tree. It was inspired by a close friend whose family was deported to Sierra Leone when I was a teenager. Despite the hardship, his mother built a school that provided meals, education, and a sense of belonging. I love that she didnāt let her circumstances destroy the vision God had placed in her heart. I draw inspiration from everyday life, my faith, and the stories of the people around me. I also respond to the way communities of color are often portrayed, choosing instead to highlight our strength, resilience, and love.
Joy is My Weapon is my declaration. Joy, love, and hope are not just ideasāthey are forces of change. They are radical, necessary, and they are how I choose to fight.
