Oil on canvas

60x48 inches

Against All Odds celebrates the unyielding power of community and women solidarity. It depicts a safe space, a clandestine Fête galante. But this is no ordinary gathering; this is a meeting of the minds, of the fearless and the fierce, the ones who dare to defy society's norms and carve out a space of their own. The painting is suffused with a sense of intrigue and rebellion, as the women at the center of the scene huddle together around a candlelit table, savouring wine and pastries (the shared fruits of their labor) while pouring over the contents of a mysterious scroll. There is a palpable sense of swirling energy and excitement in the air—something groundbreaking is about to happen, something that will shake the foundations of the patriarchy to its core with love, creativity, care, community, sharing, intellect and creation. It's a subtle nod to the classical "Supper at Emmaus" scene, only this time, Jesus and his disciples have been replaced by an all-women cast.

Surrounding them in a surreal ring are a group of witchy allies and angels, subverting the traditional depictions of these figures as passive or demonic. Inspired by Tiepolo's angels and Goya's witches, Waldia subverts those classical representations by imbuing her brown characters with a sense of individuality, power, and support for each other. These are not delicate, passive figures, but rather fierce warriors who have each other's backs in the face of oppression and adversity. Waldia's figurative impressionist style is on full display here, with its Robert Colescott-esque color scheme and swirling textures that seem to reflect the storm of ideas and emotions that are brewing beneath the surface of the painting.

Against All Odds captures the essence of camaraderie, defiance, and pleasure in a world that all too often seeks to restrict and monitor women's experiences. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of creating safe spaces, seizing control of our destinies, and doing so against all odds.

The last image of this painting in an art gallery is a mockup for fun only.