Crabs On A Barrel

Acrylic on Canvas, 30 x 40 in

This work reimagines the phrase “crab in the barrel” mentality often associated with underserved communities to not depict crabs pulling one another down, but instead overturning the barrel and lifting one another up in an act of disruption and freedom through collective effort.

Layered within the piece are subtle “easter eggs” that invite deeper reflection. The word Live can be read as “live crabs” or as a call to “live” fully and get after it. The imagery of crabs gathered on a boat echoes the haunting history of the Middle Passage, positioning the crabs as symbols of Black resilience. With the surrounding waves embodying both destruction and liberation: they topple the barrel, but true freedom still requires unity and mutual uplift.

Storms and uprisings may unsettle oppressive systems, but lasting change comes only when we, choose to lift each other up rather than hold one another back.