No Guilt, Just Honor Painting

“I love the story that includes different cultural perspectives, colors, tastes and forms. I believe that my artworks provide unique stories and images.” The base of the work lies in the exploration of the new age storytelling in today’s world. A specific focus is placed on the representation of women from and within the African diaspora. How do we still incorporate the stories, cultural experiences within the New Age that we are living in? It is a constant however an occasional clash between what is known and accepted and what is evolving as we seek liberation and understanding of ourselves. Within the modern art, the voice of the African diaspora needs to be documented in a way that is a direct reflection of the modern culture. Interference by well respected art professionals that curate from the outside can lead to affiliation to the current modern African culture. Nevertheless, Marilva finds it of the importance to listen and reflect the stories through her artwork as being a descendant from the African diaspora. Her first series of work directly reflect the inner processing and reaction of different cultures, customs and beliefs. How does the woman who is an descendant from African diaspora move, think and experience her presence within Europe? Her works as exhibited in Rotterdam in 2019 and made an entrance to the public to explore these questions. The use of strong colors and predominately melanated women stand vast in her work. Inclusivity is important and her background with the underground dance scene, painting and drawing show that to be so. Having a network of diverse and multi-cultural networks gives the vibrancy and liberation to express and explore. Every canvas tells its story and can now be used as an archive that is still marginal for the African descendant public in Europe. Marilva finds the beauty in the different faces and emotions that people embody. Constantly asking the question, what is that I can show how we matter? Sometimes challenging the audience with the naked body or provoking postures but always from perspective to state the validity and determination of the subject in question.