The Millet House is honored to host this virtual version of “Soul Food and Super Heroes”

Soul Food and Superheroes is a visual art celebration honoring People of Color, their community service and courage against great adversity.  Artist Therosia reimagines civil rights activists and others as superheroes from comic book lore.  The vibrant and characterized paintings call us to leave our preconceived notions to embrace the beauty of hope and heroism.  Citing the abysmal statistic of a nearly 75% disapproval rating of the Revered Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. at the time of his assassination, as reported by the Smithsonian Magazine, the objective of this show is “to honor and celebrate the People of Color who fight for us instead of letting them believe that no one cares.  They are heroes and we should tell them while we have them.”   

The art show will run at Mesa Artspace Lofts from its opening night of April 2nd and will culminate with a live painting and artist discussion on the evening of April 22. The month’s events will include a culturally inclusive Cosplay and Community night on April 8th. The superhero cosplay night invites the community to come out and celebrate with masks making, games and more.

The Greatist
2016
Acrylic on Canvas
40 x 30 inches

Did you know Muhammad Ali was in a comic? In 1978, DC Comics released “Fight to Save Earth From Star Warriors, Superman vs Muhammad”. In this comic Muhammad Ali defeats Superman in a boxing match. Not only a champion in the ring Muhammad Ali was a champion and pioneer for civil rights.—

Originally featured in the collection “All I Need is One Mic” this piece was inspired by the following quote from Ali, “I hated every minute of training, but I said don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion”. The suffix substitution from “est” (best) to “ist” (one who studies or trains to be) invites us all into the process of becoming a greatist. It is a testament to how if we train and put our minds to it, we can all be great.

Special at The Millet House: In addition to the original work, this painting by Therosia is also available on a t-shirt. Order your “The Greatist” t-shirt, deeply discounted and available at this price here at The Millet House for a limited time only! Link to the shirts:

The Greatist (Soul Food & Superheroes) – Black History – T-Shirt | TeePublic

Mind of Martin and Malcolm
2022
Acrylic on Canvas
48 x 48 inches
Work in Progress
$30,000

Like Professor X and Magneto these two are often thought of as enemies but were honestly friends that considered each other family. These two fought for the same things although not agreeing on what it would take to see it through. Neither had the solution 100% and the true answer probably lies somewhere in the middle. In the extremes we fall short but if we can get between the minds, we may just find a solution
to the injustices we see in the world. Although not celebrated when they were alive, the legacy they left in the earth cannot be denied.

This astonishing piece invites the viewer to participate, under the watchful eyes of Martin and Malcolm.

I Hoped them All I Could
2021
Mixed Media on Canvas
NSF – On Loan From Owner, Cynthia Reynolds

My great-grandmother was love itself to me and there was nothing bigger than her in my 3 year old eyes. She was soul food for me and therefore my first superhero.

My great-grandmother, Isabelle (Stark) Stewart, was a crochet artist who lived through Jim Crow era racism and the Great Depression. My piece invites viewers to dream of what could have been. The wagon wheel pattern embroidery symbolizes her hope that life would be better for her children, I among them. 

Stardust Princess
2018
Acrylic on Canvas
NFS

This piece is to honor black girl magic that exist in each and every little black girl as they face a world that does not honor them. Birthed while imagining what my future daughter will be if we work together allowing her future to be better than what we see today… She and other little black girls will shine as the heroes they are destined to be.

Nothing Strange About Stacey’s Black Girl Magic
2021
Acrylic on Canvas
36 x 36 inches

This piece parallels Stacey Abrams with Dr. Strange in the MCU due to both bring thrust by heartbreak into a life’s mission to help others. Mrs. Abrams’ work to end voter suppression heralds back to Martin Luther King Jr’s work in Georgia and is echoed in the corners of this piece.

“Lady Liberty” of Sudan
2022
Printed Digital Art with Mixed Media on Canvas
20 x 16 inches

The iconic scene during the 2018/2019 Sudanese Revolution where Alaa Salah was captured in a photograph, taken by Lana H. Haroun, making her the voice and face of the people during the protest. The quote on the piece was used to motivate others as they stood against oppression. Portraying Alaa Salah standing as Lady Liberty shows us that one voice can truly make a difference.

Aint I A SuperMAN
2022
Printed Digital Art on Canvas (Limited – Only 300 Available)
30 x 24 inches

Adapted from a photo in the Library of Congress of “Whipped Pete”, a slave who risked his life to show the reality of how the slave masters were really treating those they claimed to care for. Showcased here as a type of Superman, his scars marked his flesh deeper than the “S” on Superman’s chest.

Aint I A SuperMAN
2022 Printed Graphic Art Poster
30 x 20 inches

Designed to show the range of emotion and purpose that he was never allowed to have, this piece was adapted from a photo in the Library of Congress of Whipped Pete, a slave who risked his life to show the reality of how the slave masters were really treating those they claimed to care for. Showcased here as type of Superman, his scars marked his flesh deeper than the S on Superman’s chest.

2022 Canvas Print
20 x 20 inches
Original Acrylic on Canvas completed in 2020
24 x 24 inches

Being able to stand up while everything seems to be falling apart, and it is becoming harder to fight injustice, takes a hero. Speaking up for those that cannot speak for themselves, and fighting to change a system that does not serve all people, is a part of what we are all called to do and without that we miss the target. This piece is included to honor protestors and their strength to continue to fight in the face of adversity while honoring those that needlessly died because we didn’t act soon enough.

Flash of Flo Jo
2022
Acrylic on Canvas
48 x 24 inches

A true athlete who, after winning a silver medal in the 1984 Olympic games, took time to hone her skills going into “the lab”, learning to be an even better runner. She emerged in a way that blew people away and left her standing on the podium several times four years later. The change was so incredible that people did not believe she worked for her success, so she was targeted with rigorous drug screenings that she passed with ease. It’s only right that she be pictured as The Flash in accordance with her speed, style and the brevity of her life.

Framed Photograph
NSF

Flo Jo in her role as the Co-Chair of the President’s Council of Physical Fitness and Sports with Therosia Reynolds: being unapologetically herself and taking time to encourage a student during an interview while on one of her tours promoting health and fitness to the next generations. Flo Jo was a longtime time hero of Therosia’s and the moment captured here meant more than Flo Jo could ever know.

President Nelson “Black Panther” Mandela
2022
Acrylic on Canvas
48 x 36 inches

Therosia was encouraged to paint this piece by a mentor, Dr. Praise Zenenga. Nelson Mandela is only suited to be captured by none other than the King of Wakanda. His stand for justice, power to persevere and love for the people are all traits that make him not just a hero to his own people but to all people around the world. When he could have stayed the course supporting the status quo he chose to take a stand, speaking up for people that were not in the position to influence the change they needed.

“I’m Speaking”
2022 Canvas Print
20 x 30 inches
Original Acrylic on Canvas completed in 2020

Based on the phrase “It’s my turn. I’m speaking” during the 2020 vice presidential debate. Vice President Kamala Harris is portrayed as Hippolyta, a character that is taken from Greek Mythology, DC Comics and Love Craft Country. Hippolyta is a woman that surpassed the expectations and limitations put on her by society. In a similar manner, Vice President Harris, being both of Indian and African descent while being raised in America, is a voice for women of color that have long demanded to be heard. She is shifting the tide and surpassing the limitations others have placed on her. 

Twitter No More
2019
Acrylic on Canvas
48 x 36 inches

Lebron James painted as Batman is fitting as both were mentored into their life’s purpose through training and a commitment to improving their communities, and became heroes. They didn’t have any special powers or abilities, but they used their resources to accomplish far more than a superpower could. This piece is a parody on the public argument that took place over social media between Lebron James and President Donald Trump that quickly turned ugly.