Say Liberty

The photograph "Say Liberty," shot in New York City in August 2001 for Twill magazine, was initially intended as a powerful fashion statement. Featuring a Neo-Pop Statue of Liberty with a raised fist and defiant look, it symbolized Black Power and resistance, reflecting New York’s vibrant energy and the push for diversity in fashion. Unexpectedly, the image took on new significance after the September 11 attacks. Released shortly afterward, the issue sold out globally within 24 hours, and the photograph quickly became a sought-after collector’s item. Over time, the picture evolved into a symbol of resilience, transcending its original context to resonate with broader themes of freedom and justice. Fifteen years later, the photograph was featured in the “Color Manifesto” exhibition in Reunion Island, France—a location with its own history of slavery and liberation—underscoring its message of resistance. With the rise of movements like Black Lives Matter and #MeToo, "Say Liberty" has re-emerged in galleries, social media, and publications, inspiring new audiences and becoming a symbol for equality and social justice. Today, "Say Liberty" is celebrated as a contemporary masterpiece, winning awards and illustrating the enduring power of photography to capture and amplify timeless struggles for human rights.