Woman In Red
$1,500.00
Editorial View
The Gallery's Perspective
He stands at the picture’s center with a quiet resolve, headphones in and palms open, as if listening for an answer. The young man’s steady gaze and upright posture give the image a feeling of seriousness and internal weighing — not frantic, but thoughtful. Around him, bold directional symbols — a stop sign behind his head, an upward arrow, left and right turns, and a forked path printed across his chest — turn the canvas into a map of choices, each shape clear and graphic against a muted background. The tonal rendering of his skin and clothing is rendered with careful modelling, which grounds the symbolic icons and makes the conflict feel human rather than abstract. There’s a gentle tension between the decisiveness of the arrows and the openness of his hands; it suggests responsibility and the hope that guidance, faith, or community might be what he’s listening for. The work feels quietly contemporary and compassionate — a visual meditation on decision, direction, and the search for steady footing in a complicated world.
The Artwork
About THE ROAD NOT TAKEN
"The Road Not Taken" or "Directions" is about the many, many decisions our young men have to face with they step out into this world. There are signs that can tell someone which way to go, but the mind and heart often lead to outcomes that take them away from where they want to be or need to be. What is the anchor in this kind of world? Where do they turn?
Collector Details
What to Know About This Piece
Product-specific details, edition information, provenance, and special considerations are shown here when applicable.
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
Buy with confidence
Limited-edition artwork includes a Certificate of Authenticity when one is issued by the artist, publisher, studio, or authorized source. Open-edition pieces may not include a certificate; this does not affect their authenticity. The Collection Shop sources artwork through artists, publishers, authorized distributors, galleries, and other approved channels. Any additional documentation included with this specific piece will be noted above.
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.
Personal Gallery Assistance
Questions before adding this piece to your collection?
We are happy to help with availability, shipping, edition details, or purchasing questions.