You ever look at a work of art and just say, “mood”? I had trekked to Chinatown on a Thursday morning, asking more of my umbrella than it could reasonably give since the rain was coming down hard and sideways. Most of my left side was wet and I could feel my socks beginning to audibly squish in my sneakers. I was – in a word – uncomfy but at least I wasn’t alone. The subject of Whit Harris’ “Head” seemed to be similarly impacted. The braids are fresh and the baby hairs are fleeky, but her flattened lips and nose suggest that a very long day has ended in a face plant and a full body flop. Been there. Most of the subjects in Harris’ “Best Laid Plans,” who appear to be Black femmes, are in similarly awkward positions. According to Harris, the paintings depict “manifestations of [her] own emotional turmoil…entrenched in patriarchy, colonialism, and white supremacy.” Contorted, enshrouded, misrepresented; sometimes it’s ‘just one of those days’, sometimes it’s misogyny, and too often it’s both.

“Best Laid Plans” by Whit Harris is on view at Peninsula Gallery until October 19.