The ANTI-MUNE Series is a powerful exploration of human experiences and resilience through art. This collection focuses on capturing the essence of individuals facing and overcoming autoimmune challenges, with a particular emphasis on celebrities of colour who embody strength and adaptability. Through the use of vibrant and expressive colours, the series highlights their journeys, aiming to evoke deep emotions and inspire viewers.
Each painting in the ANTI-MUNE Series is designed to connect the individual and the disease, exploring the deep interconnection between mind and body. These pieces celebrate the subjects and their personal and collective struggles and triumphs. The artworks invite viewers to engage with the complexities of identity and resilience, challenging perceptions and fostering a deeper understanding of the self. The background colours in each painting symbolize the molecular structure of each disease.
This collection seeks to honour the multifaceted nature of human experiences and the profound impact of overcoming barriers. The paintings not only showcase individual strength but also aim to inspire joy and a sense of shared humanity. Through this approach, the ANTI-MUNE Series underscores the interplay between mind and body, demonstrating the interconnected nature of human health, identity, and resilience.
Morgan Freeman's Reflection
(ANTI-MUNE SERIES)
14" x 18"
Acrylics on Canvas
2024
© James Okore
As human beings, there’s this universal language of being able to relate to each other in one way or another. Morgan Freeman has battled with an autoimmune condition known as Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (also termed "Morgan Freeman’s Disease" – which appears as spots of small, dark bumps that usually appear on the face & neck), as well as Fibromyalgia (causing pain and tenderness throughout the body, in addition to fatigue and trouble sleeping). This painting is meant to highlight the resilience and passion in pushing through these conditions faced by Freeman, as he demonstrates living every moment one day at a time.
Solange Knowles' Barriers Broken
(ANTI-MUNE SERIES)
16" x 20"
Acrylics on Canvas
2023
© James Okore
Here on earth, there are many different similarities we have when it comes to understanding, sympathizing, and relating to each other. Solange Knowles has battled with an autoimmune condition known as dysautonomia (which is incurable and has a serious impact on the body’s autonomic nervous system, or ANS). This painting is meant to bring the focus onto the empowered and motivation that Knowles demonstrates in her everyday life, not letting this disease stop her from living a life filled with joy and happiness.
Morgan Freeman's Light
(ANTI-MUNE SERIES)
12" x 16"
Acrylics on Canvas Board
2022
© James Okore
As a human species, there is this common sense of relatability amongst mankind, and this notion of sympathy and compassion. Again, Morgan Freeman has battled with an autoimmune condition known as Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (also termed "Morgan Freeman’s Disease" – which appears as spots of small, dark bumps that usually appear on the face & neck), as well as Fibromyalgia (causing pain and tenderness throughout the body, in addition to fatigue and trouble sleeping). This painting is meant to highlight the resilience and passion in pushing through these conditions faced by Freeman, as he demonstrates living every moment one day at a time.
Tia Mowry's Aura
(ANTI-MUNE SERIES)
18" x 24"
Acrylics on Canvas
2021
© James Okore
In mankind, we relate on human experiences, suffering, and to some degree we are all able to relate to each other. Tia Mowry has been battling with Endometriosis (which is incurable and said to increase the risk of developing into an autoimmune condition and is a disease where tissues similarly to that of the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, causing chronic pelvic pain). This painting is meant to bring awareness to this disease, but at the same time, portrays Mowry in a radiant light filled with life, and almost projecting that into the universe.
Chadwick Boseman's Strength
(ANTI-MUNE SERIES)
18" x 24"
Acrylics on Canvas
2020
© James Okore
In this life (and as a human being), there are many things that we go through, and can understand amongst others dealing with similar experiences. Chadwick Boseman had battled with Cancer (which could have developed into an autoimmune condition). This painting is meant to bring light to the drive and inspiration of Boseman (he would visit kids with cancer, even though he himself was dealing with the same thing unbeknownst to anyone else). Sadly, he lost the battle August 28, 2020, but his joy, inspiration, lives on forever.
Gabrielle Union's World
(ANTI-MUNE SERIES)
16" x 20"
Acrylics on Canvas
2020
© James Okore
From a humanistic standpoint, there are many challenges in life that have us empathizing with others and their struggles. Gabrielle Union has been battling with an autoimmune condition known as Adenomyosis (which happens when the tissue normally lining the uterus grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, causing extremely painful cramps). This painting is meant to shed some light on this disease, and that Union shows us how it’s still possible to overcome and day-by-day, living life to its fullest.