Exhibit: The Art of Darkness at Soulard Art Gallery

In the creation of Hall of Grief, I sought to express an unsettling yet poignant reflection on the themes of loss, grief, and the tender reverence for the dead. The painting itself is small—just 8 inches by 10 inches—but the weight it carries is much larger, drawing viewers into the quiet tragedy of a mysterious woman standing in a shadowed hallway. Light spills through a distant doorway, offering contrast to her dark figure, while scattered skulls at her feet and a tightly held bundle in her hands hint at a much darker narrative.

This piece draws inspiration from voodoo mythology, particularly the figure of Maman Brigitte, a goddess known for her care of the dead. Unlike her traditional portrayal—a fiery redhead full of life and laughter, dressed in black or purple—this figure is somber, draped in shades of gray and blue, embodying the sorrow that accompanies immense loss. The stark imagery reflects not only the myth but also a real-world sorrow, as I painted this work while thinking deeply about the violence and heartbreaking destruction in Gaza.

The current conflict, which has claimed the lives of so many—especially children—compels reflection on grief that feels almost incomprehensible. With so many lost, their bodies destroyed beyond recovery, I imagined the immense burden placed upon those tasked with honoring the dead. Hall of Grief becomes a visual meditation on those losses, the unbearable weight of mourning, and the stark reality that so many will never be laid to rest with the care they deserve.

This piece may feel haunting or macabre, especially during the Halloween season, but its true intent is a reflection on the magnitude of human loss and the layers of grief that accompany it.

Learn more about the gallery and exhibit: Soulard Art Gallery - Current Exhibit

Hall of Grief

8 inches by 10 inches

Acrylic on stretched canvas

Hall of Grief is a small yet powerful depiction of a mysterious, sorrowful woman in a bleak hallway. Light pours through a doorway at the far end, creating an eerie contrast with the figure standing in the shadows. In her thin hands, she clasps a small, unidentified bundle close to her chest. Upon closer inspection, viewers may find themselves drawing sinister conclusions about the nature of the bundle. Scattered around her feet are skulls, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. I created this painting with the intention of evoking discomfort. The image draws inspiration from voodoo legends, particularly that of Maman Brigitte. In voodoo, Maman Brigitte is a goddess known for many things, but she is most revered for her role in tenderly collecting the bones of the deceased. Traditionally, she is portrayed wearing purple or black, with a lively demeanor, often depicted as a vibrant redhead full of laughter and vitality. However, in Hall of Grief, I chose somber shades of dusty blue and gray for the figure, whose expression is anything but lively. As I painted, my thoughts were with the ongoing violence in Gaza. I reflected on the hundreds of thousands of lives lost, disproportionately children. Most of these victims will never have their remains recovered. They are scattered and shattered beyond recognition. I imagined the weight of such an impossible task on a figure like Maman Brigitte, who wishes only to care for the dead with respect and tenderness. I also thought of the parents, grandparents, and countless others who have lost entire generations of their families to this senseless violence. While Hall of Grief may seem like a haunting, unsettling image fitting for Halloween, it carries a much deeper meaning—a reflection on the immense loss of life and the unimaginable grief left in its wake