Created during a period when I was still deeply uncertain about who I was, Unbound became the beginning—and eventually the end—of a deeply personal three-portrait series.
The powerful black woman at its centre represents independence, confidence and freedom. From a young age, I have deeply admired these qualities in black women—their strength, presence and ability to exist unapologetically as themselves.
The portrait was inspired by a woman I met in early 2025 who, perhaps without knowing it, helped me understand myself more clearly. I could feel her falling for me, but I knew I could not give her what she deserved, and eventually I had to let her go.
I began the series with this portrait and, fittingly, returned to it last. In the end, it became less about her and more about what I discovered in myself through knowing her.