One of the clearest indicators that Western society has lost its knowledge, understanding, and connection to the planet we live, breathe, and thrive on is how we view the color Black. Black is the universe, the dark matter that planets and stars float in and depend on for existence. Black is the womb, the darkness we grow in. Black is the earth, the soil we all become when our bodies decompose and become fertile ground for life. Black is the rock that forms when Mother Earth’s veins are let and lava flows from her Black skin. Black is sacred, and we’ve been brainwashed by language and thirst for power, control, and wealth and corrupted religion to associate Black with anything but the place we all come from and the place we all go to.
LINA IRIS VIKTOR uses the color Black to bring human beings back into harmony with our past, present, and future. She draws from the rich history of African soil, using 24K gold, black marble, and volcanic rock to weave stories on canvas that have roots deep in the soil and crowns soaring into the sky. She places human beings into an intricate system of interwoven life, energy, and spirit; sometimes embedded and blended into the natural world, other times sitting atop our imaginary perceptions of it.
In Viktor’s art, Black is “the primordial source of life” as it is in our known universe. Her artwork invokes tangible depth and layers of time, worlds, and emotions. Check out some of her breathtaking artwork here:
All images via linaviktor.com
