THE RESPONSE

To capture the depth of Shadd Cary’s legacy, we collaborated with artist Komi Olaf to create a surrealist portrait that celebrates her contributions to social justice, education, and women’s rights. Surrealist art, with its ability to layer complexity and provoke thought, served as a powerful medium to explore her multifaceted life.

The portrait combines a traditional depiction of Shadd Cary with an explosion of Canadian wildflowers, including Black-eyed Susans, integrated into her hair like a lion’s mane. This visual device symbolizes both her strength and her role as a trailblazer in the movement to embrace Black beauty and challenge Eurocentric standards. The wildflowers, with their natural complexity and untamed beauty, reflect Shadd Cary’s resilience and the dynamism of her legacy.

Black-eyed Susans take center stage in the composition, symbolizing justice, encouragement, and motivation. These flowers, native to North America, serve as a metaphor for Shadd Cary’s enduring message to pursue brilliance and opportunity. The juxtaposition of the florals’ femininity with Shadd Cary’s stoic expression is a deliberate choice, blending her elegance and formidable determination.