Rise Up

Digital Illustration on canvas

24 x 24

$1500

Joely Saravia

Often referencing my identity, my artwork explores the nuances of growing up in between two cultures. To me, the people of Washington Heights embody the act of “rising up.” In my piece, Rise Up, I show a pigeon soaring above the George Washington Bridge, similar to a rising Phoenix which represents hope. My brother and I are both Washington Heights natives and although he moved away, the essence of this neighborhood still runs through his blood so I asked him to write a poem for this piece. Those are the words you see stretched out across the wings and they tell the many stories of growing up here and how no matter where we came from we all have the same dream of acquiring opportunities and persevering. My community’s stories, struggles, and experiences inspire hope and strength in me and I hope this piece does the same for them.