Artist Harmonia Rosales Re-Imagines "The Creation of Adam" with Black Women

A woman's painting is going viral after catching the eye of people on social media. Harmonia Rosales, a Chicago-based artist, has recently gained recognition online for her re-imagining of Michelangelo 's "The Creation of Adam." The original painting can be seen in the Sistine Chapel (located in in Vatican City), but Harmonia's version replaces Adam, God, and the other male characters with an entire cast of black women.

The 33-year-old told BuzzFeed that she wanted to take a "widely recognized painting" – one that shows white men as central figures of authority – and "flip the script." Harmonia added: "White figures are a staple in classic art featured in major museums. They are the 'masters' of the masterpieces. Why should that continue?"

The artist went on to explain that representation matters in all mediums, and that includes art. "Replacing the white male figures — the most represented — with people I believe have been the least represented can begin to recondition our minds to accept new concepts of human value," she reasoned. "If I can touch even a small group of people and empower them through the power of art, then I've succeeded in helping to change the way we see the world." The result is certainly powerful, as Harmonia's artwork has resonated with thousands of people on social media already.

As for Harmonia's own inspiration, she explained to Buzzfeed that her daughter is a huge source of passion when it comes to her artwork. "I want my daughter to grow up proud of her curls and coils, her brown skin, and for her to identify as a woman of color, a woman of value," she said. "What I do with my art contributes to the way she and all other little girls like her will come to recognize themselves." Harmonia's art is a reminder to all of us that representation is essential, as it helps people of all identities see themselves in different forms.

Related: This 18-Year-Old Just Got Her Painting Displayed at One of the World's Most Famous Museums

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