In 1803, a group of enslaved Igbo people, taken from their homeland and brought to St. Simons Island, chose to embrace death over bondage. This act of collective defiance is both a haunting and profound testament to the human spirit's unyielding thirst for freedom.
"A Place For the Soul to Rest" is an acrylic and gold leaf paneled artwork dedicated to those brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice at Igbo Landing. This piece is an homage to their courage, a reflection on their struggle, and a commemoration of their legacy.
Gold leaf, a material historically associated with the divine and the eternal, is employed to honor the sanctity of their sacrifice. It represents the indomitable will and unbroken spirit of those who chose death over enslavement. The shimmering gold highlights the transcendence of their souls and their ascent to a place of eternal peace and freedom.
The panels are a dialogue between history and the present, each stroke and gilded detail echoing the whispers of the past. This artwork invites viewers to pause, reflect, and remember the lives lost and the indelible mark they left on history.
Through "A Place For the Soul to Rest," I aim to illuminate a dark chapter in our history with reverence and respect, ensuring that the story of the Igbo Landing is neither forgotten nor diminished. It stands as a reminder of the price of freedom and the enduring power of the human spirit.