The Black Victorian series of oil portraits is inspired by historical photographs of Black Americans and Black Europeans in the 19th to early 20th century. The Victorian era is generally understood to encompass the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837-1901. Researching this series led Dené to discover powerful images and stories of Black people who challenge the all white narrative that often perpetuates present imagined ideas of Victorian society. “It is personally moving for me as a Black Biracial woman to see people with my skin tone represented in Victorian society” says Dené. Along with completed pieces, some images of the early stages of development for some of the work is shown below as well. The artist finds joy in the process and the completed work.