This powerful painting by Michigan-based interdisciplinary artist Tzu Poré serves as a poignant narrative of the 1921 bombing of Black Wall Street in Greenwood, Tulsa, Oklahoma. The piece captures the horrific events during which a mob of white citizens from a nearby town attacked the thriving, self-sufficient Black community of Greenwood. Unarmed Black men, women, and children were mercilessly shot and killed, while the attackers set fire to buildings through aerial assaults using aircraft and bombs. This tragic event resulted in the total destruction of a middle-class, post-Civil War community that had become a symbol of Black prosperity and resilience.
Poré's painting is a masterful composition that intricately weaves historical references and symbols from that period, immersing the viewer in the aftermath of the attack. The artwork depicts the relics and ruins of Greenwood, showcasing the ash and rubble that bear witness to what was once a vibrant and prosperous community. Through layers of texture and strongly contrsting values in a complex cascade of black values and dynamic negative space, Poré evokes the anguish and resilience of the families who once inhabited this area, highlighting their well-to-do status and cultural richness.
The artist's use of mixed media—combining graphite  oil mediums, and other materials—adds depth and complexity to the piece, inviting the viewer to explore the multifaceted history and emotional weight of the subject matter. The composition is both visually striking and deeply moving, offering a solemn reminder of the systemic racism and violence that have followed Colonialism into the pages of history in this hemisphere.
Tzu Poré's work stands as a testament to the strength and endurance of the global aboriginal community in the face of unimaginable adversity. This painting not only preserves the memory of the Greenwood massacre but also honors the spirit of those who fought for justice and equality. It is a compelling addition to any collection, appealing to the most sophisticated and discerning of art collectors.