A deep, rich brown serves as the background with repetitive ovular shapes in alternating ivory and dark brown. This 9x12 painting on canvas board offers a sweet combination of culture, history and abundance!

Cowrie shells and Cacao beans were used as instruments of trade, symbolized monetary value, represented spiritual concepts and divine femininity. The cacao beans specifically were considered an aphrodisiac for ecstasy and/or reaching states of higher consciousness.

This painting was inspired by the artists affinity for repetitive shapes, love of the ocean, reflecting on ancestral connections, navigation and enjoyment of chocolate-covered coffee beans as a paint-session snack!

More About the Artist

Delgreta's artwork expresses universal themes of love, hope, music, prosperity, exploration / navigation, technology and spirituality. These themes are influenced by her perspectives on being a woman of the African Diaspora.Delgreta served as Youth Artist for the Sacramento County Children and Families Commission (1999-2000). She is a self-taught artist who completed her Bachelor of Science degree at Xavier University of Louisiana in 2005. Since 2008, the Contemporary and Afrofuturism Visual Artist has exhibited her artwork with Northern California and Bay Area galleries, art institutions and a few museums. She is a grant recipient of the Center for Cultural Innovation. Currently, she is a recipient of the 'Sower' Grant" from the Black Artists Fund (BAF).

Delgreta Brown - Cowries & Cacao