Tell Me That You Love Me

by Cierra G. Rowe

This series presents women in relation to race, identity, growth, sexism, and inner struggles. The paintings capture a lingering darkness that is hard to ignore and difficult to escape, representing the struggles that arise as we grow into womanhood, the artist states. ‘Tell Me That You Love Me’ reflects the artist’s personal struggle with racism as a woman of color, as well as her ability to embrace herself. ‘The Black Death’ “deals with the reality of having skin so dark that it turns heads,” Rowe said, addressing the layers found within racial discrimination in skin tone. She states that although she is not the same skin tone as her subject, she empathizes with the emotional consequence of racial discrimination, as well as her ability to embrace herself. In ‘Meat Brothel’ Rowe brings forward the topic of the objectification of women. ‘Violets’ represents what happens “when we allow the worst to consume us.” But in ‘Telekinesis’ and ‘The Botanist’,  Rowe finds her balance and levity, inspired by enlightenment and the growth of her journey.

Acrylic on canvas.

Click on image to enlarge.

Cierra G. Rowe is a self-taught visual artist based in rural Kentucky. Her enthusiasm for art flourished during adolescence and continues to be a personal beacon of hope for healing and direction. Though she now favors painting bright scenes and positive reflections, she is not above experimenting with the darker aspects of the human condition. Many of her paintings have been greatly inspired by the not so great experiences leading into womanhood.