Charisa Dené Jacobs

Mixed medium (photography, oil, acrylic)
30” x 40”

Sacred City is inspired by my love for Tulsa and my hope for continued racial reconciliation. I wanted to create an art nouveau-inspired painting that showed the beauty of the Tulsa deco buildings. I featured a Black biracial woman in spiritual contemplation to bring a sense of sincerity and focus to the piece. I have her gazing towards a Greenwood building to symbolize that Tulsans are contemplating the Tulsa Massacre and how to take action toward restoration and reparation.

Tulsa has this new opportunity to rebuild a glorious city that shines bright with racial harmony, economic prosperity, and beauty. I feel like we are experiencing a renaissance. Tulsa is coming alive with tech companies, economic prosperity, cultural experiences, and a flourishing community. We are moving into a golden era, but to stay gold, Tulsa must learn from the past and rebuild with love, wisdom, and racial unity.