Acrylic on canvas
16 × 12 × 1.5 in
In The Cost of Truth, Nina Simone is portrayed not as a performer, but as a force shaped by conviction and consequence. This portrait reflects the psychological weight of speaking honestly in a world resistant to truth, capturing the tension between brilliance, resistance, and personal cost.
Rendered in acrylic on canvas, the work uses expressive color and layered texture to convey restraint rather than spectacle. Simone’s gaze carries both resolve and fatigue, honoring the courage it took to refuse silence or compromise. The depth of the 1.5-inch canvas adds physical presence, reinforcing the emotional gravity of the subject.
Part of The Unquiet Mind series, The Cost of Truth invites viewers to consider how moral clarity can be both empowering and isolating. This piece is a tribute to artistic honesty, resilience, and the enduring power of a voice that chose truth—no matter the cost.