Blessing of the Boats, vanessa german

vanessa german’s sculpture features a bicyclist inspired by minkisi power figures from West Africa that are used for protection and healing. Like these figures, Blessing of the Boats is encrusted with nails, shells, beads, and bones, a rich array of objects intended to enact its power. The artist sees her female power figures as warriors who are ready to mobilize in defense and preservation of Black dignity and equity.