Original Collaborative Painting by Veronica Wiggins and Anu Redway

Price: $3,800 Size: 48” x 60” Medium: Mixed media acrylic paint on canvas with rice Year: 2022 Availability: Original available

Dark and Lovely celebrates the beauty, elegance, and presence of Black dancers within the world of classical and sophisticated art forms. This collaborative piece brings movement, texture, and representation together on a bold scale.

The Story Behind the Piece

Dark and Lovely was created by two artists: Veronica Wiggins and Anu Redway. Veronica created the background, while Anu created the ballerina imagery.

When people think of ballerinas, Black dancers are too often left out of the picture. This painting pushes back against that absence. It asks for more imagery of Black people within the “sophisticated” arts, not as exceptions, but as fully belonging.

The ballerina in this work carries grace, strength, and command. She is delicate and powerful at the same time. The layered mixed-media background gives the piece movement and atmosphere, while the figure stands as a visual reminder that Black beauty belongs in every space, including the ones that historically tried to exclude it.

This painting is both celebration and correction. A tribute to elegance, visibility, and the fullness of Black presence in fine art.

Artwork Details

• Original artwork: Yes

• Collaborating artists: Background by Veronica Wiggins; ballerina imagery by Anu Redway

• Surface: Canvas

• Medium: Mixed media acrylic paint and rice, etc

• Signed: Back

• Ready to hang: Yes

• Best suited for: Large statement wall, gallery space, dance studio, living room, office, or collection wall