“Eve Gene” was born from a moment of awe and reverence. While reflecting on the legacy of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells unknowingly became the cornerstone of countless scientific breakthroughs, I encountered a theory that stirred something deep within me. It spoke of mitochondrial DNA, traced back to a single African woman, believed to carry the genetic blueprint of all humankind. Though unproven, this idea often referred to as the “Eve Gene” felt profoundly symbolic.

To me, it whispered of origin, of resilience, of the quiet majesty within the Black diaspora. It reminded me that within our lineage lies not just survival, but the seed of every possibility. Just as Henrietta Lacks unknowingly shaped the future of medicine, this painting honors the unseen, the uncredited, and the deeply powerful.

Oil and copper leaf on canvas

36x48 in