Waves of Progress: Kamala Harris in the Tide of Change

The blue color palette was chosen deliberately. Blue, as the color of the sky and sea, represents both vastness and depth. It’s a color of calm, but also of purpose. For me, blue is the perfect metaphor for Kamala Harris herself—rooted in the present, but always aware of the bigger picture, the wider world. The lighter blues in the composition suggest hope and clarity, while the deeper hues represent the challenges that come with navigating the political landscape.
The swirling, cloud-like forms surrounding her figures speak to the fluidity of change. Kamala Harris is constantly in motion, constantly evolving. As the first female Vice President of the United States, and the first Black and South Asian woman to hold the role, she has shattered glass ceilings—yet her journey is not static. She is still moving through the challenges and complexities of her position, just like these abstract shapes move across the canvas. These swirls are also a representation of her ability to adapt and transform—an essential quality in a rapidly changing political world.
Kamala Harris's life story is one of resilience, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of justice. Born in Oakland, California, on October 20, 1964, to immigrant parents—her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, a cancer researcher from India, and her father, Donald Harris, an economist from Jamaica—she was raised in a household where education and activism were deeply valued. The influence of her mother, in particular, shaped Harris’s worldview, embedding in her a strong sense of justice and a commitment to fighting for the underrepresented. From her early days attending Howard University, one of the nation’s most prestigious historically Black universities, to studying law at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, Harris has always strived for excellence.
Her career in law began when she worked as a prosecutor in Alameda County, where she developed a reputation for being tough but fair. Rising through the ranks, she became the District Attorney of San Francisco and later the Attorney General of California, where she fought for the rights of the vulnerable, advocated for criminal justice reform, and tackled big corporations. She was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016, where she continued to make waves with her sharp questioning in hearings and her dedication to progressive causes like healthcare, immigration reform, and environmental justice.
In 2020, Kamala Harris made history when she was elected as Vice President of the United States alongside Joe Biden. The image of her standing on the stage during the inauguration, becoming the first woman and woman of color to hold this office, is one that will be etched into history forever. As Vice President, she has continued to take on crucial issues such as voting rights, immigration reform, and the COVID-19 response. The weight of being a “first” in so many ways comes with immense pressure, but it also brings hope—hope that her achievements will pave the way for future generations of women and people of color to reach the highest levels of government.
The soft lighting in the artwork emphasizes the duality of Harris's public persona—the clarity and strength she projects, and the complexity that lies beneath. Politics is not always clear-cut, and Harris’s journey has often required her to navigate blurred lines, balancing progressive ideals with the practicalities of governance.
This piece reflects her ability to stay grounded in the face of adversity. The abstract textures represent the uncertainty and ever-changing nature of the world she operates in. Yet, amidst the swirling forms and the dynamic background, Harris remains a steady figure. Her eyes, particularly in the second portrait, are focused and serious, signifying her commitment to the work ahead. The more expressive image of her speaking, on the other hand, reflects the passion she brings to the public stage—whether addressing the nation or fighting for policy change.
In creating this piece, I wanted to convey not only the weight of her role but also the optimism she carries with her. Despite the many challenges she faces, Harris is a figure who inspires hope. The light tones that blend into the blue background suggest a future that is still unfolding, one where progress is being made, even if the path isn’t always straightforward.
As I worked on this, I found myself reflecting on the importance of representation. Harris’s ascent to the Vice Presidency is more than just a political achievement—it’s a cultural shift. It’s about possibility and visibility, about young girls of color seeing themselves reflected in positions of power. The blue hues, too, are about more than calm and clarity—they are about hope. In a world that often feels fractured, Harris’s presence in the political landscape is a reminder that progress is possible, even when it feels out of reach.
On a personal level, this artwork reflects my belief in the power of symbolism and storytelling. Each brush of blue, each abstract shape, represents both the challenges and the promise of leadership. Kamala Harris is a leader navigating uncharted waters, and through this artwork, I wanted to capture the essence of her journey—her strength, her resolve, and her unwavering dedication to progress.
In the end, this piece is about hope and motion. It’s about the way Kamala Harris, like the clouds and the sea, is constantly moving, constantly changing—but always with purpose, always with a sense of forward momentum. Just like the colors that swirl around her, she is a figure both grounded in tradition and looking toward the future, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in American leadership.