Queen of the Damned

When I look at Kiara Sanders’ Queen of the Damned, I am reminded of the axiom “as above, so below”. She sits at the base of a staircase, with her head askew and a gaze that penetrates. She is mostly surrounded by darkness, but from what we can see, one can be reminded of the ups and downs we face and how it relates to how we see ourselves. Kiara tells us more about her inspiration:

Queen of the Damned, Oil on Canvas, 24x36”

“Prior to working on this portrait, I meditated on the reference photograph. The photo was taken by my friend Tia. I was picking at the broadness of my face, big chin, thin lips, weird looks. I often do this while painting self portraits. It occurred to me that it wasn't completely my voice making those observations.

I struggle to know who I really am, outside of what I have ingested from my environment, media, and what other people have told me. And I have been told many horrible things about myself, to my face and behind my back. From both strangers and those that claimed to love and protect me.

Everyone can relate to some degree. I wonder who would we be if we didn't align with certain judgements that are not are own, and we were not limited by what we think will get us certain rewards (more money, more power, etc).

The blackness of the painting is representing my own race, but also black as a color that absorbs everything and has negative stigmas as a result ("damned"). I am absorbing everything that has been told to me about who I am, including whatever the viewer may be thinking.

The blackness of the painting is representing my own race, but also black as a color that absorbs everything and has negative stigmas as a result ("damned"). I am absorbing everything that has been told to me about who I am, including whatever the viewer may be thinking.”

The Self as Subject exhibition is up until April 30, 2021.

To learn more about Kiara visit: https://linktr.ee/Keksand