Artwork Description
Canary Cry
Dimensions: 18 x 24″
Year: 2019
Media: acrylic on paper
“My piece is about the power women have when they speak out. The idea I began with came from the DC hero Black Canary. Her power is her voice and when she cries out she’s nearly unstoppable. The woman’s face is modeled off of Juliana Harkavy, who portrays the Black Canary in the show “Arrow,” but the way I painted the woman is based off of the comic book’s portrayal. The words she is screaming are the lyrics to “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten and “Praying” by Kesha. I chose these songs because they are both about being empowered but they have different ways of empowerment. “Fight Song” is more about being explosively powerful and not letting anything come in your way.I also feel that some of the lyrics really echo the given quote from Malala about the impact of a single word or action. “Praying” shows a different side – that you don’t have to be loud and fierce to be empowering – you can be tender and vulnerable while still not sacrificing any of your dignity. I feel like this song has such an important message. Kesha was abused by her producer and when she tried to speak out he suppressed not only her voice but her career too. “Praying” is about her overcoming that and finding her own power, while also retaining her dignity and having the strength to still be compassionate toward him. The #MeToo and Time’s Up movements are so important because women have been silenced for centuries and it’s time that changed. Women are strong and powerful and now we’re truly beginning to tap into it and use our voices.” Riley Burns