Mixed Media Paintings + Collage

The Teaching of the Heart, 2021 24x24. Mixed Media Painting. aka The Evolution of a Marriage...We don't all come to a relationship without baggage from our past. This couple grapples with moving forward.

Culture, Pride, Resilience , 24x36, 2021 Culture, Pride, Resilience is about how we are defined by our multigenerational family and cultural history.

Love and Hate are Learned Early, 2021 20x24 ...the title says it all

Their Unresolved Past, 30x40 Painting, 2020 Their Unresolved Past is about how black people continued to suffer after Emancipation. They wore their physical and emotional scars of terror and subjugation. Vintage tin type portraits at the lower right of her dress suggest a male biological relationship to the woman, with one green eye. With pen in hand she looks to rewrite her history.

Adding texture to the white surface of the canvas, then distressing with X-acto knives and nails is symbolic of the physical and emotional distress inflicted on black people. In developing a visual narrative, my paintings give a voice to generations of people who have been a part of systematic racism.
My paintings are influenced by my deep respect for the artworks by Betye Saar, Romare Bearden and Deborah Roberts.

Girl with the Pearl Earring, 24x36, Painting, 2020 This mixed media painting of the girl with the pearl earring is a modern interpretation of Vermeer's painting of the same name. She is a beautiful young black woman with dreadlocks in a white bikini bra top.

No Sudden Movements, 18x24, 2021 No Sudden Moves is a mixed media painting about police brutality. He wears the crown, at the top of his field, living the dream and still any moment he can be stopped by police for being black. This painting is about fear of the unknown if you make the wrong move, say the wrong thing. The upside down American flag is upside down to illustrate Distress. Three sides of the canvas are painted with gold circles and torn Vintage Dictionary pages cover the sides. The white textile with holes illustrates the holes in the Policeman's corroborated stories about the killings.

2021, 18x24. "On the Edge of Humanity" is about civil human rights. The threat of being picked up by the police is very real. The distressed area of the canvas surrounding her portrait represents the the emotional and physical damage inflicted on people of color. Encounters with police officers and menacing groups of people often brings fear for one's safety.
The current social climate where we are acutely aware of those that want to do harm, begs us to consider the vast and unknowable potentials of the future.

What's Past is Prologue 2019 24x24 Orig. $950. Now $760. "What's Past is Prologue" is the first chapter- an introduction- to the life that this couple will soon embark upon.

"The title "What's Past is Prologue" is from Shakespeare's play "The Tempest". " Sir Walter Raleigh had in fact named one of the new world colonies "Virginia" after his monarch’s chastity. King James arranged political marriages for his grandchildren. Prospero, feels the need to teach Miranda the "value of chastity", a primary lesson being taught by the masque along with having a happy marriage."

"Bridging Ignorance with Insight and Despondency with Hope", 18x24, 2021 To celebrate the last confederate monument (Lee) to be removed form historic Monument Ave. in Richmond, Virginia, I created this portrait about Race and the Promise of Equality for All People.

Change Comes Slowly, 16x20, 2020 Change Comes Slowly is a mixed media painting about racism yesterday and today. White America inflicting their values and instituting laws that do not allow black people to succeed.

The vintage tintype of 4 men suggests a common goal of twiddling their hands when it comes to racial equality. The zipper represents an open and closed mind to protect her soul. The white paint that surrounds her portrait is textured and distressed , emblematic of the way she navigates in white society.

Dreams Change, 24x36, 2021
Dreams Change is about a year of looking within. Deciding what one needs and wants to be happy, fulfilled and centered. I have been collecting vintage textiles for several decades; representing personal history. Her right eye socket is of books edged in gold leaf, what I value. Her left arm was creating using cut magazine images to resemble a tattoo sleeve - though I don't have any tattoos, I studied the Anthropology of Tattoos in college and appreciate them for their cultural/creative design and personal messages they impart.

Passion and Persistence 24x36 2020 A tortured tale of what happens when sheer passion meets pushback and roadblocks appear too large to overcome. This painting represents a woman morphing into whoever he wants her to be only to realize- he's just a man with flaws.

Captive of Her Beliefs, 24x36, ©2021 , She holds fast to her spiritual journey as she navigates through life. Her journey includes ancestors that came before her, she carries their hopes, dreams, burdens. Captive of Her Beliefs is about women having the strength to go through the day. No matter what comes her way, she is light, grace and gratitude and exudes hope.

Race, 24x30, 2020 This painting is about pride in one's lineage. I created this painting to generate a conversation about race and the words that are used by others to define people of color. The portrait was inspired by a photo of Jimi Hendrix. His Afro defines him, was made with rolled dictionary pages, it is his strength worn as a crown held together with an American Flag headband. When ethnic slurs are hurled at him, he is resilient. He wears it as a badge of honor for those that fought for his rights before him.
His face is a collage made up of photos of a 1960s car race and an African mask.

La Femme, 24 x 36, 2019
"La Femme" literally means Look for The Woman. This mixed media painting is an abstracted figure of a woman. I have incorporated pages from a vintage dictionary from a page with the words Woman, Womankind, Procreate and Procrastinate. a In addition, there are 2 pages from a French letter dated ...

Dreams + Truths, 2021, 20x24 Dreams + Truths is a painting about Resilience.
Influenced by political divide and social instability, the artworks are a vehicle to express vulnerability, self-worth and expectations in relationships. This mixed media painting portrays the fragility of human connections and understanding our need to stand up as one people is standing up for all. Through my artwork I explore injustices towards women and people of color. Through my artwork I explore injustices towards women and people of color.

Adding texture to the surface of the canvas, then distressing with e-acto knives and nails is symbolic of the physical and emotional distress inflicted on black people. In developing a visual narrative, my paintings give a voice to generations of people who have been a part of systematic racism.

"Higher Love" 30x40, 2019-2021. Higher Love is the love we experience together. He's everything to her, as she is to him...Their love is untouchable. This painting was created in 2019 and update in 2021.

A Deeply Flawed Man, 24x24, 2019 The complexity of world events, fast moving and observed in real-time, elevates one's imperfections. Inspired by the political and social-sexual actions of flawed men. It speaks to a breakdown of civility between men and women, esteemed world leaders and elected officials.

Lean Back, Exhale ©2021 20x24, Lean back is a mixed media painting of a semi-abstract reclining female figure. Lean back, but don't get lost.

Clear a Path to Proceed, 24x30 2021 My grandfather came to this country on a ship 100 years ago to pursue the American dream. When he arrived they gave him a silk, 5x7 American Flag to celebrate his new home. All People are not treated equal. The same goes for Voting Rights; Amendments 14,15, 19 and 24, 26 Protect your right to vote. Her neck and chest was created layering lists of American citizens.

I am, We are Resilient

Scratching the Surface, 22x28, 2020 "Scratching the Surface is a mixed media painting about race in America. The white surrounding surface has been scratched out to get below the surface of racism in White America. Adding texture to the surface of the canvas, then distressing with X-acto knives and nails is symbolic of the physical and emotional distress inflicted on black people. In developing a visual narrative, my paintings give a voice to generations of people who have been a part of systematic racism.

Parts of her hair were created using images I took of black metal hangers and staircase in Italy.
Note: the horse( race), tunnel (vision)

Race II, 16x20, 2021, This painting is about race and how children navigate their lives with others. I represent "Race" with a print of a vintage car race. This digital vintage school photo from 1910 shows 2 young black girls, dressed up for their class photo, they have proud expressions, while the other children display dour looks. In the lower part of the woman's black dress is a dark photo of children's shoes ( from another vintage class photo, subtle inference how she carries school experience with her through life.)

16x20 2021 "Bestowed with Gifts" is a portrait of an black woman sparkling with life. The journey that is her life has it's challenges and she rises to the opportunities presented before her. The veil with white glitter to her right alludes to opportunities that come up that don't always sparkle but she is resilient just the same.

Cell of Rebellion, 24x36, 2021 Cell of Rebellion recognizes individuality, inspired by the black lives matter movement. The grille is to guard words that flow when police brutality and racism get in your face.

Resilient IV, 2021 20x24. Making peace with what comes your way is hard enough as an individual...doing it with your partner can be challenging. I am, You are, We are Resilient.

Doesn't Much Believe in the Concept of Regret. 24x36 2021

"Reflection + Resilience", 20x24, 2021 Taking the time to look within and find peace with your journey brings resilience.

Spiritual Warrior, 24x36, 2021 Her journey includes ancestors that came before her, she carries their hopes, dreams, burdens. Spiritual Warrior is about women having the strength to get through the day. No matter what comes her way, she is light, grace and gratitude and exudes hope.

If I find Vestige of You, I Think, I will Rest, 20x24, 2020
This mixed media collage on stretched canvas is an abstracted view of 2 figures; one searching for a lost figure.
Materials used: a portion of a 19th century French letter, torn pages from a French book, cardboard, recycled envelopes, fabric, portion of 1925 dictionary page ( recline, reclining, recluse, reclusive, recognition), vinyl pieces, rice paper, acrylic paint.

Clarity Was a Point Before His Eyes, 36x36, 2020 This abstract figure is a mixed media painting created using vintage men's silk dress shirt, 18th century French letter, canvas, paper,paint.

Daughters of Wisdom, 36x48, 2020 "Daughter's of Wisdom" is about the connection women have with each other. Women bring personal experiences to relationships that are share freely, establishing a sisterhood. The bond stabilizes them in difficult times, offering an umbrella to share to weather difficult times.
In the left figure I incorporated parts of a 1940's silk dress with blue parasols in the neck and torso. I found the dress in an abandoned house when I was 17. The woman's blue hair is a photo I took of large tropical leaves, digitally tinting the image.

©2021 Mona Dworkin, 36x48

A Walk in the Park, 22x28 2019 Orig. 1350. Now $1080

Racism by Intent, Bang the Drum, 24x24, 2020 Originally $785 Now $625 This mixed media painting on stretched canvas is about racism experienced in America. It's dark ,ugly and not so subtle. Even with his Metal of Valor he is disrespected as a black man. On the left side is a picture of flooded houses surrounded by water- Hurricane Katrina (2005) when Black lives did not matter to the Bush White House/FEMA.

Rise, Speak, Repeat, 18 x 24, 2020 Orig.$850. Now $680. Inspired by the rise of national and international protests, this painting illustrates a call to speak up for injustice. I am encouraged by the huge protest marches around the world. The lock on the woman’s mouth suggests how women have been fearful of speaking out. The colors of sunrise, a turning point.

Familiar History, 24x24, 2018-2020 Orig. $750. Now $600. This portrait was originally created in 2018 and updated in 2020 . This painting is about family stories passed down about hardship and struggles. It is a contrast of how the older woman has experienced racism. Bridging the gap through education and activism, the young woman sees herself pushing past the barriers to end the racial divide.

"Flirt" 24x24, 2019, Orig. $790. Now.$630. This mixed media painting on canvas is about flirting and relationships,. We project what we want others to see - not always the way we see ourselves.

The Alchemy of Love and Fairy-Tale Endings, 30x24, 2019 Orig. $950.Now $760. Growing up we expect to find ever-lasting love and happiness. The young woman who carries her desire for love and happiness in the tv ( herself as a girl in the vast ocean looking to the horizon - her future.
He stands straight with an unsettled look. He leads with his sexuality, she her fairytale dream.
I am fascinated by the practice of elongating women’s necks in African and Southeast Asian cultures. (“Within Africa’s Ndebele tribe, the women of the tribe wear copper and brass rings around their necks. The rings are given to the women by their husbands and worn as a sign of faithfulness, and were once removed only after the women died”
The metallic paint(between them)is the chemistry they have together. She is holding a paper (from a 1925 music book) that states “Lover” - the “r” obscured so as not to label him as much as what they have together.

Faith, 36x24, 2019/ Updated in 2021 Orig. $1550. Now $1240. "Faith" is about the journey we take in relationships. Plant the seed and encourage growth, represented in colorful tree. Navigating the ups and downs with an open mind and heart. The woman’s head faces 2 directions, confident of moving forward, reaffirming his commitment.
The windows represent open mind and hearts, the open gate an escape route.

Love, Respect, Justice ©2021, 16x20, Orig. $950. Now $760. This painting celebrates black culture and love of one's self. Race relations come up a lot in my painting. With the rise of national and international protests, this painting illustrates a call to speak up for injustice. I am encouraged by the huge protest marches around the world.

"Play Nice" 24x24, 2020. Orig. $775. Now $600. Mixed Media Painting, "Play Nice" was created with the current political climate in mind. How man-children treat girls and women at work and play. The image of school girls ( reproduced from a vintage school photo) placed within Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Time magazine portrait is a statement about how things from the early 20th century to the present has not changed for females. The vintage puzzle that makes up the male figure is about boys and their toys. How they revert back to childish games when dealing with women.
The cut words-definitions ( Man, Pussy, Equality, Assault) were cut from a 1925 dictionary- to imply the conversation taking place in society and the courts.

What Came After, 2020 18x24 Orig. $735. Now $588.
This mixed media painting illustrates the pressure some women feel when they are approaching their peak fertility cycle and have yet to find the right partner. The eyes in many of my paintings are the tell, in this one she is looking out to the corner of her vision to men all in blue suits -under consideration. On the right is a man diving( from the bed) into the empty black tux . The blue lace is from my mother's stunning tea-length wedding dress, circa 1954.
The page from a book is about women's experiences with men's expectations in and out of the workplace. The NO is about having a choice.

The Doctrine of Racial Division, 18x24, 2020 Orig. $1100. Now $880. Systemic racism is experienced every day in this country. We as a nation rise up and say enough. Statements being made by trump have stirred his supporters to rally for white nationalism at a time that many of us are saying No More. Take down the monuments that glorify the Confederacy, remove and jail police that abuse, harass and kill black people.

Love in the Time of Corona, 36x36, 2020 Orig. $3200. Now $2560. 2020 was a year of struggle for many of us coping with the health of family and friends. This self portrait began as something quite different. It began as a portrait of a couple not facing each other- the title was to be " We don't even speak the same language anymore". I was struggling with his face. While watching a British series "The Spanish Princess" I saw a man with a birdlike mask on- commonly used during the plague in the 18th century, worn by physicians to protect them from airborne diseases. I saw an immediate connection with my painting- as I had already created her face using an advertisement in Chinese, suddenly the painting had turned a corner. His arms were created using skins shed from a common snake, and a vinyl coating from metal grating- relating to the shedding of the virus. As I mentioned this is a self portrait, the man, my husband may have had mild but deeply concerning symptoms of the Corona virus.

Girl With a Black Pearl Earring, 16x20, 2021Orig. $885. Now $685. "Girl with a Black Pearl Earring" is my interpretation of Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring" painting.
This young black woman is confident in the road she travels- she walks the line. Her left eye keeps watch over her journey. Unlike Vermeer's painting that has a deep black background, my painting is textured, to represent the deep emotional scars people of color have.

Early Sunday Morning 36x36, 2021 Orig. $2600. Now $2080. Mixed Media Painting on Canvas Love is Love

Deviant Family Values, 20x24, 2020 Orig. $725. Now $580. Racism has been passed down generation to generation. Photos of politicians, actors in blackface makeup used as a costume are finally being called out for the racist connotations. We as a nation are discussing the hurt felt by people of color when they are mocked.