Listen, Me Existing and Thriving is a Daily Protest, Okay? Painting

"Chioma, raised her arms up to the sky and closed her eyes as a Gentle Breeze blew by, bringing with it the Leaves of Peace. And she felt at peace. Here she was just Chioma, not Chioma the black girl, not Chioma the African Immigrant, not Chioma the woman. Just a beautiful being living in a beautiful moment. She felt free, unstoppable, and capable. She realized on Earth that feeling this way as a person like her was a threat to the Establishment. She thanked the Mother for letting her escape to Rerinia. She knew at some point she would have to return to Earth and its harsh realities, but at least while she is here, she could heal. She could dance in the sun and thrive!" Salami's works are in a modern day surrealist style, giving the viewer the sense of an alternate universe. René Magritte with soul. Abi positions her female African American subjects in a distant realm where one can heal and grow, safe from societal pressures. Her pleasing pastels calms the mind and body while she speaks about heavy subjects such as mental health & rehabilitation not often addressed in her culture. Her works show us the power of healing while simultaneously celebrating Black Joy.