November 8, 2024
Social Justice Embodied
The figure of Social Justice began with a repurposed canvas which seemed fitting to me for a figure that champions transformation. Her image is rich in symbolism and her story is one of strength, kindness, and unity.
Divine Light
Light flows throughout the painting signifying divine potential and nonviolence. The warmth from the light is a reminder to us of our capacity to change and of our ability to spread love and peace. Our greater capacity to change is represented in the subtle change of the background color from the painting’s left side to right side. The right side is gently warmer, signifying a slow and steady change through time.
Transparency and Openness
Her dress flows where glowing light emerges through its sheer fabric. The blending of the colors of the right wing with the background represents transparency and openness, qualities that build trust and are essential elements of social justice.
The Power of Red
The strong, rich background color and the accents of red I use throughout her form signify bravery, express energy, and passion—qualities that empower her to challenge injustice with strength and resolve.
Purple for Justice
Her skin tone is a blend of purples, symbolizing justice, gender equality, and anti-violence. Yellow highlights add contrast, drawing attention to her inner strength and resilience. Every tone intended to make her flesh a visual message of equality.
Universal Kindness
Her face is intentionally non-ethnic with a gentle tilt of her head and a soft expression that reflects kindness and refuge. This universal face speaks to inclusivity, strength through our shared humanity, and the gentle power of compassion.
The Dove of Peace
Emerging from her neck in shadow and light is a dove, which softly embraces her and symbolizes peace and faith. The dove shares with her its wings, which are larger than those of an eagle, and they represent inner strength and love, adding a sacred dimension to her presence. Her chest bears the subtle outline of a heart, a symbol of love guiding justice.
The Amulet and Belt of Fairness and Strength
An amulet on her right arm signifies the role of fair governance in building social justice, while her belt represents the inner strength that sustains her mission.
The Caduceus
The caduceus winds gracefully around her right leg, symbolizing not only the field of medicine but also her commitment to equity in healthcare. Its spiraling movement suggests an active pursuit of healing and balance, binding her to the mission of accessible care for all.
Nature as a Resource
Her dress flows like air and water, symbolized by the waterfall and floral beading in the fabric over her right breast and the sky-blue color of the fabric over her left. Nature is woven into her gown as a reminder of the shared resources that sustain us, emphasizing the importance of protecting them for the benefit of all.
Strength and Gentleness in Balance
Her left arm, more abstract in form, conveys the power of her conviction. Her left fist, holding the hammer of social justice, is large and assertive, while her hidden right hand softens her image, balancing gentleness with strength.
The Hammer of Social Justice
This sledgehammer is both a tool for breaking barriers and a symbol of unity. The handle, wrapped in rope, represents humanity bound together. At its base, two triangles hold a jewel symbolizing Earth: the golden triangle on the left represents wealth, while the multicolored triangle on the right represents all people. Together, they balance the world between commerce and community.
The hammer itself, divided into three sections, breaks past injustices while constructing a just future—where shelter, education, and nourishment are available to all. The hexagon is a natural structure found in honeycombs. I use the hexagon for the fruit trees to represent collaboration and interdependence. This shape reflects how nature builds strength through unity and symbolizes the collective effort needed for a sustainable and just food system.
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