Title of the work: “Touch Me Not” 🫴🏽

Date of creation: 05/2025 - 07/2025

Size: 24 x 48” (original)

Medium/Materials: Acrylic and Oil with Matte Varnish | Level II Stapled Canvas

The Series:

Inspired by @sinnersthemovie 🎥 , this collection explores the places our sins can take us. Each painting is an interpretive piece from still shots of the movie trailers. An ode to the blues of black culture, Vi strives to transmute generational trauma through healing expression in art.

Artist Statement:

This piece is titled ““Touch Me Not,” Capturing the essence of Miles’ character during the return to the alter, the still shot gave me chills and reminded me of a time when I too found myself at the foot of the pastor.

Growing up in the Deep South, there were many negative slights towards the queer community at large. The closer I came to my faith I had to confront these ideologies and seek refuge in my own truth through personal studies. The term “touch me not” is a term in the #LGBTQ community that refers to a lesbian who does not allow her partner to pleasure her.

My first encounter with this was my first relationship with a woman. Toiling through womanhood and faith I found my way to my morals and values which I cling to as firmly as Miles clung to his broken guitar. My sexuality is as much a part of me as my gift to create. And I believe it to be a divine connection of me to my higher power. Whatever we bring to the alter, it is often the most near and dear parts of who we are. This piece is a reminder that the two can co-exist in beauty and balance.

Past Exhibitions:

The Mazeum Experience (MD) - 06.19 - 07.08.2025

Paint + Debate (DC) - 07.12.2025

The Juke Joint: A Velvet Vice Soirée (DC) - 07.19.2025