Espíritu Africano celebrates the enduring essence of the African spirit—one that transcends time and geography. This body of work explores the spiritual, folkloric, and generational ties that unite the African Diaspora, revealing the unseen forces that guide, uplift, and empower us. Whether felt as an intangible presence, an unshakable inner strength, or the ancestral energy that surrounds us, this spirit is ever-present. It weaves through our daily lives, shaping our paths and reminding us that we are never alone.

This resilience is reflected in St. Croix’s Emancipation Day—a commemoration of the bold fight for freedom and self-determination. Whether felt as an intangible presence, an unshakable inner strength, or the ancestral energy that surrounds us, this spirit is ever-present. It weaves through our daily lives, shaping our paths and reminding us that we are never alone—just as our ancestors stood together in their pursuit of liberation, we continue to carry that spirit forward.

I long for a world that acknowledges and respects the beauty, the ingenuity, the contributions, the history, the sanctity and the brilliance of the African diaspora. This is where I draw my inspiration from. Each piece that I create helps to shape our collective narrative. ~Mark Feijão Milligan II

This exhibition is part of the 2025 Dialogues on Freedom annual series