Ross’s series seeks to upend these tropes. By placing Native American and African American women in positions of power, opulence, and freedom, she aims to reframe how these women are viewed. In her photographs, they are not seen as victims or disadvantaged individuals but as powerful, autonomous figures who control their own narratives. This radical shift in representation is intended to challenge viewers’ perceptions and reveal the flawed, outdated stereotypes that still linger in American society.

Central to Ross’s work is the recognition of the long history of oppression these women have endured. From the early days of slavery to contemporary issues like police brutality and the neglect of missing and murdered Indigenous women, Ross weaves these painful realities into her work. In her essay, she references both the Black Lives Matter movement and the murder of Breonna Taylor, emphasizing how the media and society often ignore the violence inflicted upon women of color. By Serafina Calder, The Art Muse Express, December, 2024.