Strang Fruit

This collection, inspired by the haunting song "Strange Fruit," incorporates its lyrics to make a powerful statement against racial injustices. The song, first sung by Billie Holiday in 1939 and originally a poem by Abel Meeropol (under the pseudonym Lewis Allen), serves as a poignant protest against the lynching of African Americans. Each painting in "Strange Fruit" is imbued with symbolism, reflecting the ongoing struggle against injustices ranging from lynching and wrongful imprisonment to modern-day police brutality. The artworks incorporate flags, notably the American flag and the Pan-African flag, to deepen their symbolic impact. The Pan-African flag's colors highlight the pain, strength, and beauty of African American culture, the wealth of Africa, and the solidarity of the Black community. In contrast, the American flag, presented upside down, signals a state of dire distress and extreme danger, protesting the values that have perpetuated these injustices in America. The techni