Artist
Aziza Claudia Gibson-Hunter
Title
Potencha 9
Date2018
MediumMixed media
Dimensions39 1/2 × 27 in. (100.3 × 68.6 cm)
Framed Size: 38 1/2 × 49 in. (97.8 × 124.5 cm)
Framed Size: 38 1/2 × 49 in. (97.8 × 124.5 cm)
Credit LineDC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Art Bank Collection
Object numberDCCAH2020.017
ClassificationsPaintings
Locations
Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (1350 Penn Ave NW, 105)
DescriptionAs a child, Aziza Claudia Gibson-Hunter remembers elderly Black women saying, “That girl/boy got potencha...(potential).” These women could look at a young person and see the spectacular energy inside of them, which would reveal itself in time and on occasion. Like in physics, potential energy was stored energy. Gibson-Hunter herself believes that we who believe in freedom can access our “potencha:” our talents, gifts, knowledge, skills, know-how, discipline, and tenacity. We can pull from this vitality, using it for energy, unifying, healing, giving, sharing our very best to guide and protect ourselves and each other. This is how she envisions the resilient, boundless forces within and around us.
