NEWS: “Momentum” has been juried into the 2025 Open International Online Exhibition, as one of 167 selected artworks out of 1180 submissions. View the exhibition here.

In my painting, Momentum, a Black woman rests comfortably on a sofa suspended in outer space. She is communing with a butterfly on her knee and contemplating trans-Atlantic weather systems on Earth, which is supported like a jewel by the stylized palisades of her crown. In terms of cultural and social change, ‘momentum’ is achieved with impetus and persistence; this painting is in acknowledgment and celebration of the enormous work and perseverance of Black women and all they have achieved despite power systems historically used to oppress them.

The symbolism in Momentum creates layers of meaning that invite viewers to engage with the work on a deeper level. Through magical realism, I challenge the traditional depiction of “a woman on a sofa,” elevating it to a star-filled galaxy, where she literally takes as much space as she desires. In her crown, the planet Earth shows four continents: North and South America, Europe and Africa, the storm systems between them illustrating the turbulence and trauma caused by the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The position of the woman’s hand, resting on her knee palm-down, conveys quiet authority. The Monarch butterfly, known for its yearly migration across North America, represents resilience, endurance, and determination as well as transformation, and freedom. The Empire gown worn in white satin denotes a high social status, prestige, and wealth. Sought by royalty since ancient times, the sapphire that glints in the woman’s earring indicates intelligence, wisdom, and serenity. Like many precious gemstones, it has a history of exploitation, having been mined and processed in Africa and the Far East by disadvantaged people, and child labour. The Regency settee calls back to Egyptian motifs, from which the styles were appropriated by European imperialists. Decked out in sumptuous fabrics and cushions, it is richly upholstered, and embroidered with stars—a nod to the sitter’s celestial status.

Momentum  is a pure watercolour painting—all whites are the white of the paper. While the planet, the woman and her sofa were painstakingly painted with multiple glazes of pigment, the deep space background was completed with a single layer, itself a feat of watercolour application. The crown has been gilded in raised relief with 24 karat gold. It took over a year to complete this painting, and the whole process is documented on my Instagram. This artwork is for someone who loves and appreciates thought-provoking imagery with an inspirational mood. I’m grateful to my model for this painting, the inimitable artist and poet Tracey Steer.

Watercolour, 28 × 40”, the framed size is approximately 36 × 48”, painted with professional light-fast pigments, and 24 karat gold leaf, on 100% cotton Arches cold pressed 300 lb paper. The painting is signed by me, JC Little, on the front and has the title and date on the back. I will include a certificate of authenticity with this painting. It will be packaged with bubble wrapping and cardboard to protect it, inside a cardboard box. To avoid waste, where ever possible I will re-use mailers and other packaging materials.To preserve the painting from deterioration, display away from direct sunlight.

Actual colours may vary from those shown here depending on the device you are using to view the painting. All copyright, reproduction/duplication rights, and artist’s resale rights are reserved by the artist JC Little. This painting will be sold with the condition that the artist may show the painting in an art gallery or other art show setting.

Limited Edition prints (first state) are coming soon, each customized with hand -embellished 24k gold leaf: find them here. Art prints will also be available in my RedBubble Shop.