You and Me us never part, Makidada 2021

Lanise Howard painted You and Me us never part, Makidada without setting a date, using a palette that feels like a warm hug, all yellows and greens and browns. It's like she's saying, "Come on in, let's get cozy." Up close, you can almost feel the texture of the leaves and the gentle touch as one braids the others hair, Howard's brushstrokes are deliberate, building up layers of color to create depth and dimension. I’m drawn to how she renders the drapery of the skirts, that feel almost like a single piece of sculpture, the folds are so pronounced. This area feels so alive and sculptural, that it becomes a focal point for the piece as a whole. Howard’s painting makes me think about Kerry James Marshall, not in terms of style, but in the way he portrays scenes of everyday life with such tenderness and grace. It's a reminder that art doesn't always have to be loud or flashy; sometimes, the most powerful statements are made in quiet, intimate moments.