The Things They Carry

Atarah-Sheba Young

Acrylic on Canvas, 24x39

This piece draws inspiration from the stories shared by the Black men in my life, honoring their resilience and the often-unseen burdens they bear. I sought to create a visual sanctuary, a source of divine strength, for their journeys through life.

The centerpiece, a father, a pillar of fortitude, carrying the spirit of his inner child and the responsibility of his future lineage. He stands tall, walking upon the uncharted wilderness of life—whether that be a new chapter, an unforeseen challenge, or a path with little guidance.

In his stillness, he listens. God Yahweh’s divine wisdom flows from the heavens, coding like DNA, infusing him with strength and understanding. This wisdom reverberates through his inner child, offering healing, and extends to his future lineage, imparting hope and illumination.

The interplay of yellow and blue hues represents the divine glow of transformation and enlightenment. Together, they form a radiant light, signifying the unity of self, past, and future, as he becomes a vessel of divine strength—being led by his unwavering faith.