Powerful Women of Color

by Artist Tim Okamura

“Rosie no. 1.” (2016), 29.5 × 44.19 inches

In his portraits of women, Brooklyn-based painter Tim Okamura explores the human relationship to identity. His powerful works largely feature a single black woman in an exceptionally strong pose, with some pieces including natural elements like butterflies and rodents and others using graffiti reminiscent of city landscapes. Originally from Canada, Okamura “investigates identity, the urban environment, and contemporary iconography through a unique method of painting—one that combines an essentially academic approach to the figure with collage, spray paint and mixed media.” In an interview with Nailed, the artist spoke about why he began spotlighting people who are often underrepresented in art, saying he wanted a way to learn about those different from him and to question his conceptions of his own identity.

“The Parlor,” (2019), Oil on canvas, 80 × 56 inches

With art—you come to realize—it’s not just about the work, it just doesn’t end there but, who made it. Sometimes it doesn’t always line up as the viewer imagined. That part of my work I didn’t intend to be conceptual, but it has challenged people’s ideas of who can represent who through art. People can quickly sense if artwork is from a place of authenticity or not—my messages are positive and so are my representations and this is a celebration of my community.

“Revelation No. 1” (2019), Oil and acrylic on wood, 42 × 30 inches

Several recent works by Okamura are currently on view in the group exhibition Still I Rise at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Artthrough May 25, 2020. Find the artist’s available portraits on Artsy, and follow him on Instagram.

“Artemis”

“Stay Warm Keep it Cool”

“Presence”

The Bison Baron: Ted Turner’s 2-Million-Acre Legacy

Ted Turner, the media visionary who founded CNN, has spent the last several decades redefining the role of a private landowner. With approximately 2 million acres under his control, Turner is one of the top five largest private landowners in the United States. His holdings span several states, including massive tracts in Montana, Nebraska, and New Mexico. Unlike traditional developers, Turner’s primary motivation for acquiring land has been a philosophy he calls "eco-capitalism"—the idea that land can be both economically self-sustaining and ecologically vibrant.

The crown jewel of Turner’s environmental legacy is his role in the restoration of the American bison. When he began his efforts, the species was still recovering from the brink of extinction. Today, Turner’s ranches host more than 45,000 bison, the largest private herd in the world. By replacing cattle with bison, he has helped restore the natural biodiversity of the Great Plains, as bison grazing patterns are essential for the health of native grasses and the species that depend on them. Much of his land is protected by conservation easements, ensuring that these vast wilderness areas remain undeveloped for future generations.