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Created with soft pastels on museum-quality, heavyweight, acid-free sanded pastel
paper, this work depicts a young boy sprinting through a white finish-line ribbon, arms
lifted in triumph, his body leaning forward in the final stride of victory. His bib number,
1936, honors Jesse Owens’ historic victories at the Berlin Olympics, where he defied
Hitler’s ideology and the racial barriers of his own country. Behind him, a mural of
Owens is layered with Olympic rings, race statistics, and archival headlines, including a
real news article noting he was snubbed by both Hitler and U.S. President Roosevelt.
The white ribbon carries dual symbolism: a marker of Olympic glory and the lung cancer
awareness ribbon, honoring Owens’ passing from the disease. Through dynamic
motion, layered history, and symbolic detail, this piece celebrates Owens’ courage,
athletic brilliance, and lasting legacy on and off the track.
Created with soft pastels on museum-quality, heavyweight, acid-free sanded pastel
paper, this work depicts a young boy sprinting through a white finish-line ribbon, arms
lifted in triumph, his body leaning forward in the final stride of victory. His bib number,
1936, honors Jesse Owens’ historic victories at the Berlin Olympics, where he defied
Hitler’s ideology and the racial barriers of his own country. Behind him, a mural of
Owens is layered with Olympic rings, race statistics, and archival headlines, including a
real news article noting he was snubbed by both Hitler and U.S. President Roosevelt.
The white ribbon carries dual symbolism: a marker of Olympic glory and the lung cancer
awareness ribbon, honoring Owens’ passing from the disease. Through dynamic
motion, layered history, and symbolic detail, this piece celebrates Owens’ courage,
athletic brilliance, and lasting legacy on and off the track.