Tulips

All parts made by Amanda Brezzell

Part 4 of 4 in Series 2023

Collage done on acrylic painted background. Made with photo, metallic, recycled paper, tulip confetti, and tulip dyed gauze fabric. Cast in resin on canvas. 20in x 16in

 Tulips is part four in The Flowers that Bloomed Anyway Series. In the spring before the Detroit Drought of 2022, my tulips bloomed. Due to the harsh heat that came later, I thought the tulips were the only thing that would grow. This piece is inspired by the history of Black Women water defenders of the Detroit River who raised hell to protect this sacred water. This depicts their homegoings. Tulips were used to dye the fabric that wraps the warrior, a nod to white funeral dressings. They are adorned with turquoise for protection and headwear that allows them to speak through the water. The white petals and gold flakes represent sacred flowers and offerings laid for spirits as they drift back across the water to return home.