This painting is inspired by a photograph I took of my cousin Nicky, taken after a heavy conversation we had recently. I was stricken by her beauty that contrasts with the sadness in her eyes and the capture aimed  to underline the complexity of her identity and her place in a world that often fails to recognize her full humanity. Nicky's gaze challenges viewers to acknowledge the stories and struggles that lie beneath the surface, to see beyond the bejeweled exterior, and to confront the harsh realities that shape her existence. I admire her strength and introspection and invite us all to reflect upon our own roles in fostering empathy, understanding, and a more equitable future for all.