Los Angeles–based artist Jade Yasmeen has captured widespread attention after unveiling a hyper-realistic, full-color portrait of Harriet Tubman, a breathtaking tribute that merges history, identity, and imagination.

The massive artwork, titled “The Pain Below,” measures 74 by 60 inches and was recently featured at the Aku World exhibit during Art Basel Miami, one of the world’s most prominent art fairs (source: Blavity). The vivid detail and emotional depth of the piece make it one of the most striking modern portrayals of the Underground Railroad hero ever seen.

In an Instagram post, Yasmeen explained the inspiration behind her work, saying:

“I chose Harriet as a way to commemorate the past. Our ancestry is so rich and deserves to be preserved.”

Through this portrait, Yasmeen seeks to remind audiences of the enduring strength and dignity of those who shaped Black history, while using color and realism to breathe life into Tubman’s image — traditionally seen only in monochrome photographs (source: My Modern Met).

The Tubman portrait was displayed alongside two additional works by Yasmeen, including an oil painting of Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to travel to space. Together, the pieces formed a visual dialogue between the past and the future — honoring pioneers who broke barriers in their respective eras (source: Essence).

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From a Family of Artists to a Force of Her Own

In an interview with Duchess International Magazine, Yasmeen revealed that her creative roots run deep. Growing up in Tampa, Florida, she often watched both of her parents paint, which nurtured her artistic curiosity from an early age.

Initially, she pursued a degree in Elementary Education, but after two years, she decided to follow her passion full time. “Art has always been part of my identity,” she said. “It felt like coming home.” In 2015, she made the bold choice to pursue painting professionally — a leap of faith that would ultimately define her career (source: Duchess International Magazine).

Her dedication quickly paid off. Yasmeen’s mastery of hyperrealism — a technique demanding intense precision and patience — has positioned her among a new generation of Black female artists reclaiming historical narratives through visual art. Her works are characterized by lifelike textures, luminous skin tones, and eyes that seem almost alive, drawing the viewer into an emotional conversation with the subject (source: My Modern Met).

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A Message Beyond the Canvas

Yasmeen believes art can bridge the gap between the past and the present, between memory and movement.

“We have the power to make anything a reality,” she told Duchess International Magazine. “Anyone who hones in on their innate ability to dream for something beyond their reach is capable of achieving it. It’s possible if we just muster the courage to create it.”

That belief is visible not only in her art but also in her life’s purpose. Each brushstroke, she says, is a tribute to those who came before her — visionaries, fighters, and dreamers whose stories deserve to be retold through the language of art.

Her goal, Yasmeen explained, is to continue the legacy of her ancestors while inspiring the next generation of creators to see art as activism, education, and empowerment. With her brush, her canvas, and her boundless imagination, she is doing just that.

Critics and curators have praised Yasmeen’s work for its emotional weight and historical relevance. By rendering Harriet Tubman in full color — vibrant, defiant, and alive — Yasmeen invites viewers to see the icon not just as a figure of the past, but as a timeless symbol of courage, liberation, and faith in one’s purpose (source: Blavity, My Modern Met).