Description
Returning to the scene of Yvette Smith’s murder at the hands of Officer Daniel Willis, Delita Martin incorporates patterns, colors, and objects of symbolism into a sweeping mixed-media mural to peel back the mask of Ms. Smith’s murderer. Delita's layering of technique and material signifies a liminal space – the space between the waking life and the spirit life. By fusing this visual language with oral storytelling, she offers space for the narratives of women of color to live on. In this piece, Delita’s layering includes: shadow figures of Ms. Smith’s neighbors as background reference, a cone flower as a symbol of strength and healing, Ms. Smith’s body is drawn realistically however her face bears similarity to an African mask. A red poppy flower, which is often associated with remembrance, appears in the area where Ms. Smith was shot. Willis, appearing ominously, unmasks his face which is partially covered by the Blue Lives Flag, and Martin calls for him to be held accountable by positioning him facing the viewer. The finished mural, sized 98 inches wide x 72 inches high, combines collaging, drawing, painting, printmaking, and sewing techniques.