Woman In Red
$1,500.00
Editorial View
The Gallery's Perspective
You first notice a quiet, reflective figure whose gentle posture suggests a private moment—her back turned, headscarf tied, and arm folded as if caught between thought and self-regard. Rendered in soft grayscale, she reads as intimate and real: the subtleties of skin tone, the curve of shoulder and spine, and the patterned cloth she leans on give her presence a calm, honest dignity. Beside her, the mirror delivers a very different voice. A vivid, Picasso‑inspired face explodes with color, oversized lips, and simplified, overlapping planes; blonde hair and bold lashes push a stylized, media-driven ideal into the same space as the woman. The contrast between the tender monochrome figure and the loud, cubist reflection creates a clear emotional statement—about identity, perception, and the tension between who we are and what society promotes as beautiful. This piece feels both gentle and provocative: it honors the sitter’s quiet worth while calling attention to external images that can distort self-image. Hung where you’ll see it often, it quietly encourages a pause and a rethinking of beauty on your own terms.
The Artwork
About As I See It: Woman in the Mirror
This piece is a tribute to Picasso's "Woman in the Mirror". Of course my model is black, then there's my statement, which is: I'm concerned that many of our queens don't know how beautiful they are. In this piece I reveal the perceived and promoted notion of what black beauty is--according to social media.
Collector Details
What to Know About This Piece
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About the Collection
Gilbert Young is a renowned African American artist, muralist, and art conservator whose work profoundly captures the African American experience. His iconic painting, He Ain't Heavy, exemplifies his commitment to figurative realism and serves as a powerful piece of social commentary. Beyond his studio work, Young has made significant contributions as a community activist, creating impactful public murals that celebrate cultural heritage and address pertinent social issues. His art not only reflects the richness of African American culture but also inspires dialogue and understanding within the broader community.
Artist Signature
Signed and documented
This piece is signed by the artist and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.
Image Rights
Image copyright © 2026 by Gilbert Young.
Authorized Source
Authenticity & Documentation
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Gilbert Young's support of various community activities and events in his native town of Cincinnati, Ohio spans over two decades. He was active there in both the artistic and scholastic arenas. Young served as Director and Conservator of the Fine Arts Collection for the University of Cincinnati for twenty-six years. He also served as Artist-in Residence for the University in 1994-1995.
Dating back to 1975, this multi-talented, multi-faceted, internationally known artist has lent the use of his images and time to many community projects and organizations. Young served as a consultant to the Harriet Beecher Stowe House Project, a renovation and restoration project for the Harriet Beecher Stowe house, creating a cultural arts center for the visual and performing arts in Cincinnati. In 1991, when the Cincinnati branch of the National Council of Negro Women hosted its first "Black Family Reunion", Gilbert was asked to provide the image that would become the official poster of the event. He also lent the use of his image, "Inside Daddy's World" , to The Black Male Coalition of Greater Cincinnati, Inc. in 1995 as the cover of their brochure and one of his most profound works, a commissioned portrait of civil rights leader Dr. martin Luther King hangs in the lobby of University Hospital.
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