Beyond the Peonies, 36 x 48, Oil on Wood Panel and Canvas, 2021.
Courtesy of Harmonia Rosales.
With theCreation of God, she subverts Michelangelo’sCreation of Adamby depicting a Black woman as the first human.
“Beyond the Peonies,” 36 x 48, Oil on Wood Panel and Canvas, 2021. Courtesy of Harmonia Rosales.
Instead of the Eurocentric view of God, Rosales places a woman in this position.
In doing so, she challenges us to think about our own accepted views of beauty and power norms.
But perhaps the crowning jewel ofMaster Narrativeis Rosales' reimagining of theSistine Chapel ceiling.
Read on for My Modern Met’s exclusive interview.
Their works were always such a magnificent and awe-inspiring display of intricate detail, symbolism, and storytelling.
Creation of God, 48 x 60, Oil on linen, 2017.
“Creation of God,” 48 x 60, Oil on linen, 2017. Courtesy of Harmonia Rosales.
Courtesy of Harmonia Rosales.
Creation Story, 48 x 72, Oil on wood panel, 2021.
Courtesy of Harmonia Rosales.
“Creation Story,” 48 x 72, Oil on wood panel, 2021. Courtesy of Harmonia Rosales.
Michelangelo is clearly a big inspiration.
Can you share what the process of recreating his Sistine Chapel ceiling was like for you?
Michelangelo’s work on the Sistine Chapel has definitely left a mark on my artistic journey.
(continued)For every exhibition over five years, I displayed a new piece of the puzzle.
This gradual unveiling of the grand narrative provided me with valuable insights into the direction of the final work.
This unexpected connection sparked a creative solution.
“Yemaya Meets Erinle,” 48 x 36, Oil and iron oxide on Belgian linen, 2019. Courtesy of Harmonia Rosales.
Yemaya Meets Erinle, 48 x 36, Oil and iron oxide on Belgian linen, 2019.
Courtesy of Harmonia Rosales.
Yemaya Ascension into the Waters, 20 x 20, Oil on linen, 2019.
“Yemaya Ascension into the Waters,” 20 x 20, Oil on linen, 2019. Courtesy of Harmonia Rosales.
Courtesy of Harmonia Rosales.
My artistic endeavor is an attempt to bring these overlooked narratives into the spotlight.
This is not just art for art’s sake.
“Our Lady of Regla,” 40 x 40, Oil, iron oxide, and 24k gold on wood panel, 2019. Courtesy of Harmonia Rosales.
It’s a celebration, a reclamation, and a call to action.
Courtesy of Harmonia Rosales.
Birth of Oshun, 55 x 67, Oil and iron oxide on Belgian linen, 2017.
“Birth of Oshun,” 55 x 67, Oil and iron oxide on Belgian linen, 2017. Courtesy of Harmonia Rosales.
Courtesy of Harmonia Rosales.
How did becoming a mother influence your art and the types of stories that you want to tell?
Becoming a mother was akin to being reborn.
“Ascension of a Woman,” 51.5 x 41, Oil on linen, 2018. Courtesy of Harmonia Rosales.
This maternal instinct spurred me to use my art as a powerful tool for change.
I wanted to create a universe in which they would not just feel included but celebrated.
The power of seeing oneself depicted in divine forms cannot be overstated.
“Still We Rise,” 60 x 55, Oil, iron oxide, and gold on canvas, 2021. Courtesy of Harmonia Rosales.
Ascension of a Woman, 51.5 x 41, Oil on linen, 2018.
Courtesy of Harmonia Rosales.
Still We Rise, 60 x 55, Oil, iron oxide, and gold on canvas, 2021.
“Migration of the Gods,” 36 x 72, Oil, iron oxide, and 24k gold on Belgian linen mounted on wood panel, 2021. Courtesy of Harmonia Rosales.
Courtesy of Harmonia Rosales.
Courtesy of Harmonia Rosales.
How do you hope that visitors to the exhibition take away from the work?
When visitors step into myMaster Narrativeexhibition, I want them to embark on a journey.
What are you working on next?
It seems many who are captivated by my work aren’t entirely familiar with the narratives they represent.
These tales, steeped in the Yoruba religion, have been traditionally passed down orally through generations.
This project, entitledTransformations, will offer a more profound exploration of these stories.
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