Embracing Divinity: The Intersection of Art, Womanhood, and Spirituality in Black Identity, an exhibition of works by Janessa Williams, aka ColorTripz, will be on view Friday, February 7 through Friday, February 28 in the Wolz Ruzicka Hallway Gallery in the ARX Building on River Campus, Southeast Missouri State University.

An opening for Embracing Divinity: The Intersection of Art, Womanhood, and Spirituality in Black Identity will take place on Friday, February 7 from 5-7 p.m., with an artist talk at 5 p.m. in the gallery.

Janessa Williams, under her artistic alias ColorTripz, creates work that celebrates the profound divinity of Black womanhood, motherhood, and identity. Her art radiates with vibrant, bold colors that elevate the beauty and diversity of melanated skin while intertwining themes of spirituality and resilience. Drawing inspiration from African spiritual traditions, celestial motifs, and ancestral wisdom, her pieces present Black women as celestial beings—powerful, nurturing, and deeply connected to their heritage. Each brushstroke and design speak to the layered experiences of Black women, inviting them to embrace self-love, recognize their inherent power, and heal through a connection to the spiritual and the ancestral. This exhibition situates Williams’ work at the heart of an ongoing dialogue about the intersection of identity, empowerment, and artistry.

Grounded in her background as a graphic designer, fine artist, and community advocate, her art reflects a deep commitment to uplifting Black culture. Through her business, ColorTripz LLC, and her collaborative efforts with collectives like Echelon 7, Williams transcends the canvas, curating immersive experiences that celebrate BIPOC creativity. Embracing Divinity offers an invitation to explore these powerful themes, celebrating the divine intersection of art, womanhood, and spirituality within Black identity.

All gallery exhibitions, events, and talks are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact arxgallery@semo.edu.