They Saw Through 2021

Lanise Howard's "They Saw Through" presents a scene with a soft touch, likely made with acrylics. The blend from a sunny yellow to a cool blue creates a feeling of transition, something in flux, maybe like the feelings the two figures in the painting are experiencing. Look at the butterfly, perched delicately on the woman's hand. It's rendered with such care, each wing a tiny world of color and detail. The way Howard captures the butterfly's fragility speaks to the delicate balance within relationships. The brushwork, especially in the skin tones, is smooth, creating a sense of calm. But the texture of the hair! It invites you in, as if you could reach out and touch the soft curls. Howard's piece resonates with Kerry James Marshall's insightful portrayals of Black figures. "They Saw Through" reminds us that art is an ongoing dialogue, each artist building upon the visions of those who came before, adding their own unique voice to the conversation.