THE OYSTER KING LIVES ON

Acrylic, Salt, Oysters, Silkworm Cocoons and Raffia on Linen
48in x 36in
2025

"The Oyster King Lives On" honors the remarkable journey of Thomas Downing and fellow Black oystermen who transformed maritime knowledge into pathways of Freedom and entrepreneurship. The grid of actual oyster shells in the upper left corner represents both the literal foundation of their livelihood and the structured business empires they built despite societal constraints. The angled and texturized forms emphasize transformation and migration, symbolizing Downing's journey from Virginia's Chesapeake Bay to becoming New York's celebrated "Oyster King".