There is power in being seen. Yet, for many, visibility comes at a cost. It demands a confrontation with vulnerability, bias, and the scars left by past battles. For me, See Her is both a self-portrait and a rallying cry, a deeply personal exploration of what it means to emerge from the shadows of survival into the fullness of being.
This piece reflects my time as a surgical trainee, where the mantra “See One, Do One, Teach One” became a survival code. Much like the grueling experience depicted in Full Metal Jacket, my training wasn’t just about mastering skills—it was a psychological crucible where humanity often felt like a liability.
But See Her is more than a reflection of my journey. It’s an invitation to consider the unseen battles we all endure and the courage required to step forward, scars and all.
During my residency, vulnerability was dangerous, perfection was mandatory, and survival required constant vigilance. The mantra “See One, Do One, Teach One” was more than an expectation—it was an unrelenting test of resilience. Witnessing a procedure once meant you were deemed ready to perform it flawlessly, then teach it to others. This was not just a technical requirement; it was a rite of passage that stripped away softness, individuality, and sometimes, humanity.
For someone like me—a young Black woman navigating a predominantly white, male-dominated field—this cycle came with additional layers of pressure. Every step was an unspoken demand to prove my worth, to demonstrate that I belonged, despite the systemic barriers stacked against me.
In See Her, the tightly wrapped bandana bearing the words “See One, Do One, Teach One” symbolizes both protection and confinement. It’s a psychological bandage that covers wounds left by the relentless pursuit of perfection. The intense colors and bold strokes in the artwork capture the emotional storm hidden beneath a calm, controlled surface.
Race, Identity, and the Cost of Invisibility
As a Black woman, my identity was the first thing people noticed, often before my intellect, skills, or accomplishments. Growing up, I sought similarities in others, yearning for connection despite societal divisions. Yet, I quickly learned that my skin color carried assumptions, bias, and barriers that shaped how I was perceived.
In my training, these challenges became magnified. I watched colleagues who looked like me falter under the weight of bias, their careers derailed by an unforgiving system. My survival required hiding—my struggles, my emotions, even aspects of my identity. To excel, I had to become impenetrable, emotionally and intellectually.
See Her is not about blaming or dividing; it’s about acknowledging the human cost of invisibility and the resilience it takes to rise above it. It’s about creating space for others to be seen for who they are, not just what they can endure.
Art as Reflection and Advocacy
The poodle at the heart of See Her connects me to my sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho, and its legacy of education, advocacy, and leadership. For me, it symbolizes why I persevered: to keep doors open for young women of color, to show my daughters and others like them that they, too, deserve to be seen and valued.
The intense colors and abstract strokes in See Her mirror the emotional complexity of this journey. The palette reflects both the storms of survival and the vibrant hope that comes with healing and visibility. This piece is a call to honor resilience—yours, mine, and that of countless others navigating similar battles.
A Conversation on Visibility
ARTIST’S NOTE: See Her is part of the Her Series, a collection exploring identity, resilience, and transformation through the lens of medical experience and personal growth.
See Her is deeply personal, but its message is universal. It challenges us to consider the masks we wear, the pressures we face, and the ways we balance our scars with the expectation to perform.
- In what ways can you allow yourself to be seen while breaking free from the pressures that demand perfection?
- How do you navigate the tension between survival and authenticity?
These questions are at the heart of this piece, inviting viewers to reflect on their own journeys.
Call to Action
Explore the full Her Series in the virtual exhibition and discover how art can inspire conversations about resilience, identity, and visibility.
You must be logged in to post a comment.