Inspired by Solange’s Mad and Dr. Maya Angelou’s poem Still I Rise, We got a lot to be mad about..And yet we still rise, acknowledges that from our collective histories and today’s climate, we do, have a lot to be angry about, but in spite of it all, we still rise. I focused on the use of bold colors because every issue, platform, group, etc has a color that it is associated with. I welcome viewers to sit and reflect on which issues and topics come to mind. As the series title suggests, there’s a lot to be mad about and it’s okay to be angry. But I propose the following questions; what will you do with that anger? Will you allow the opposition to have you become bitter, downtrodden, dejected, helpless, disassociated, and the like? Or will you face it head-on? Will it be channeled into a righteous and inspired anger that serves as momentum to move the collective conscious forward in its intended direction?
Now more than ever, we need more joy. And yes, two can be true. It’s imperative in these challenging times, that we are able to chew gum and walk at the same time, meaning, be present in the anger, but don’t let your joy or laughter be taken from your spirit. Because that is what “they” are counting on. Just as Solange gives us permission it’s okay to be mad, but reminds us to release it and let it go. While Dr. Maya Angelou encourages us to look it directly in the face, question it, state it plainly, and rise. Rise in spite of the hatred, shame, and pain. And Toni Morrison cautions us by stating anger is a paralyzing emotion where if you’re not careful you can’t get anything done. So I ask, what will you do?

We got alot to be mad about…And yet we still rise 1, 2025 | 11in x 14in | Color Pencil
We got alot to be mad about…And yet we still rise 2, 2025 | 11in x 14in| Color Pencil


We got alot to be mad about…And yet we still rise 3, 2025 | 24.25in x 23in | Color Pencil
We got alot to be mad about…And yet we still rise 4, 2025 | 24in x 29in| Color Pencil


We got alot to be mad about…And yet we still rise 5, 2025 | 17in x 14in| Color Pencil
We got alot to be mad about…And yet we still rise 6, 2025 | 13.75in x 21.25in| Color Pencil


We got alot to be mad about…And yet we still rise 7, 2025 | 13.75in x 17in| Color Pencil
We got alot to be mad about…And yet we still rise 8, 2025 | 24in x 35in | Medium: Color Pencil on torn texture paper

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3 responses to “We got alot to be mad about…And yet we still rise | A Series”
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[…] We got alot to be mad about…And yet we still rise, 2025 -Ongoing | Color Pencil # of Works: 7 […]
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Butterfly 🦋, I am really impressed with your exhibit, your collaborations, and I just adore your writing – I must say. Fly on and soar Neice, keeping soaring!
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[…] To learn more about the We got alot to be mad about…And yet we still rise series. […]
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