Independence is both a process of destruction and liberation which I visualized as a tornado. The chaotic but powerful feelings of finding one’s identity outside of names, traditions and relationships are what I wanted to convey emotionally through a damaged house. The walls are missing to represent a sense of vulnerability that comes from orienting yourself away from how you typically define yourself. Red is a color that encompasses many emotions like anger and love, which are all a part of the overall journey of self-discovery.

Stephanie Ologan is currently a student studying biomedical engineering and entertainment business. Stephanie hopes to plan concerts and festivals for artists from all over the African diaspora in the future.