Kasandra Pantoja

Textile Artist

Gurl! Black Women in Politics

This series is a celebration of the powerful women who have shaped — and continue to shape — the political landscape of the United States. Each piece carries the color purple, inspired by Alice Walker’s quote:

“I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it.”

Purple is a call to pause, reflect, and pay attention — to recognize the strength, resilience, and impact of these women. Whether you know their names or are discovering their stories for the first time, this collection invites you to honor their work and their fight for our rights.

Commission Pieces

She is...

“She Is…” is more than just a series—it’s a declaration. As a Black woman artist, this work is deeply personal. Each piece in the collection is a mirror, reflecting the complexity, beauty, and strength that women carry, often unseen and unspoken. Through bold colors, layered textures, and affirming words, I wanted to challenge narrow definitions and celebrate the vastness of who we are. She is powerful. She is tender. She is rising, healing, fighting, becoming. This showcase is my love letter to women everywhere—especially Black women—whose stories deserve to take up space, loudly and unapologetically.