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)

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.