acrylic on canvas - signed limited prints
 
24 x 36 in
 
The global pandemic of 2020 prompted a subtle yet meaningful shift in Shiri Achu’s artistic practice, reflecting her responsiveness to the social and emotional climate of the moment. In this period of collective uncertainty and isolation, she reimagined one of the most recognizable symbols of the era—the mask—as a canvas for expression, resistance, and healing. What began as a necessary object of protection evolved into a powerful medium through which Achu explored identity, voice, and resilience. Each mask became both a shield and a stage, allowing hidden emotions and silenced narratives to emerge into view. In 2021, amid the continuing effects of the COVID-19 crisis, the artist was deeply affected by the alarming surge in anti-Asian hate crimes, particularly those targeting women and girls. These incidents, rooted in prejudice and intensified by pandemic-fueled fear, revealed the fragility of safety and belonging in public spaces. From this awareness emerged FEARLESS—a series that speaks to courage, visibility, and solidarity in the face of discrimination. The work challenges the viewer to confront both personal and societal fears, transforming anxiety into empowerment. IGNITED extends this dialogue. It stands as a declaration of defiance and unity, proclaiming what every daughter—your daughter, our daughter—must embody: unyielding strength and fearless presence. Whether before, during, or after the pandemic, Achu’s work insists on recognition and resilience. Through these pieces, Shiri Achu captures a moment in history when humanity was tested, and art became both witness and catalyst—igniting empathy, understanding, and the enduring will to stand tall in plain sight.