In this piece, I am exploring vulnerabilities: physical and emotional. The hearts represent how some people, especially women, display kindness, make undue compromises, and agree to things they may not want to do for fear of disappointing others or being rejected. Gifts given under these circumstances do more harm than good for both the giver and receiver. The hearts are also shields that protect me from invasive unwanted stares and advances. The hearts purposefully do not completely cover that figure that appears naked behind the shields. The hearts function as symbols of love, protection, and courage.

Lisa Wax, Art Instructor at Whitney Young
High School