Protector, Warrior, Peacemaker Portrait of Moses McMillian by Keisha Whatley

From the artist Keisha Whatley: Overview: Moses' teacher said of him,"he was a warrior in his heart, his words moved mountains." His mother said that he was empathetic, a protector and his voice was a rally cry. I chose the lion to represent his stance and place amongst his friends and family. Each star represents something from his childhood or his dreams: at around 5 years old, he fell from a 3rd story window and told his mother, when she found him practically unharmed, that angels,Batman and Pinocchio had his hands and let him go close to the ground." He wanted to go to Miami State University and was a basketball fan. It was an honor to create this portrait of such a strong, peaceful young man.

From the curator: This is another small but powerful portrait. Keisha’s use of the diagonal folds of the backwards cape and the two lions’ heads diagonally framing Moses’ gentle face inject a strength of movement into the composition. The many details of his characteristics and his loves surrounding him on peaceful, blank background bring a sense of peace to the image.

Protector, Warrior, Peacemaker Portrait of Moses McMillian by Keisha Whatley oil on canvas 11” x 14” 2019