Around The Way Girl
$1,000.00
Editorial View
The Gallery's Perspective
A quiet moment of gentle wonder fills this canvas: a young person lies propped on an elbow, studying a single rose that has emerged through cracked pavement. The scene feels hopeful rather than sentimental — the figure’s relaxed pose and soft, attentive expression make the encounter feel intimate and believable. Muted, cool grays of the sky and distant buildings set a restrained urban stage that makes the rose’s warm red and the subject’s skin tones read as small but powerful centers of life. The horizontal composition and low viewpoint keep the scene grounded, while the thin stem, its shadow, and the nearby crack emphasize fragility met with persistence. There’s a lyrical tenderness here — an ordinary moment suggesting resilience, wonder, and the quiet pride of witnessing beauty where it seems unlikely. As an image for a living space, it carries a calm, encouraging presence that quietly celebrates perseverance.
The Artwork
About Still I Rise
Still I Rise. The rose that grew from the concrete is originally a poem by Tupac Shakur It is a miracle that takes place in urban America where something beautiful comes from nothing...some dreams are built from the concrete as is my dream to be an artist against all odds STILL I RISE!!!
Collector Details
What to Know About This Piece
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About the Collection
Kevin Williams (WAK) is known for his vibrant street art that blends urban culture with contemporary expressionism. His graffiti art and bold graphic designs capture the energy and emotional expression of the streets, transforming city walls into colorful murals that reflect modern life and pop culture. WAK’s work incorporates elements of abstract street art, combining mixed media techniques and social commentary art to explore themes of identity, power, and societal issues. Through his modern urban art, he bridges the gap between traditional graffiti and contemporary symbolism, creating pieces that resonate with the pulse of the city and the spirit of modern expression.
Artist Signature
Signed and documented
This piece is signed by the artist and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.
Image Rights
Image copyright © 2026 by Kevin Williams (WAK).
Authorized Source
Authenticity & Documentation
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Kevin A. Williams better known by the art moniker WAK, his initials backwards, is an American painter and businessman from Chicago’s Southside. He is one of the most celebrated figurative storytellers of this era with his collection of paintings being the most widely circulated urban fine art series in the world.At the age of 15, Kevin A. Williams started working as an artist, on Chicago’s Historic East 87th Street Black Business District, drawing and painting images for clothing boutiques and hair salons. At 19, he became a cosmetology illustrator for Soft Sheen hair products which eventually led to a commission from Alberto Culver USA, to create "Standing Appointment" which depicts 4 women under hair dryers, for their Motions hair care line. It is regarded the most popular art image in the history of the hair care industry. While developing his fine art line, Williams worked exclusively with the late Actor\Comedian Bernie Mac as his personal artist for over 15 years, creating over 20 original paintings, including a very important piece commissioned by the Actor\Comedian as a gift for Oprah Winfrey. The piece titled “Anointed Gift” was unveiled on Oprah’s televised 50th birthday celebration, and was regarded by her as “the most amazing gift”. This amazing gift currently hangs in the lobby of Winfrey’s Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. In November 2009, Williams was commissioned by the Professional Golf Association (PGA) to memorialize Ted Rhodes, John Shippen, Bill Spiller, the first African-American inductees to the PGA who were denied membership during their professional careers, along with honorary member, heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis. Williams also made history by becoming the 1st African American artist to have a painting to permanently hang in the PGA National Museum in Port St. Lucie, Fla. In April 2018 ,Williams was commissioned by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated to create a centerpiece for the newly renovated national headquarters in Chicago,Illinois. " The One" depicting the founding, legacy and continued life of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority..
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