Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
This original canvas work functions as a Level Study within Ms. Tubman: The Game, an ongoing series by Akio Evans that reimagines Harriet Tubman’s journey through symbolism, Afrofuturism, and the visual language of play.
The series originated from a dream in which the structure of Ms. Pac-Man was reconfigured through historical memory. In that vision, the ghosts became embodiments of the Ku Klux Klan—present, pursuing, yet ultimately unable to control the path ahead. The energizer elements of the game transformed into North Stars, symbols of navigation, guidance, and spiritual certainty.
The field is rendered in haint blue—a color rooted in Gullah Geechee traditions, historically used to protect thresholds and repel harmful spirits. Here, the color becomes both environment and shield.
Harriet Tubman advances illuminated, while the figures behind her are rendered as chained ghosts—bound, restricted, and unable to cross the protected space she occupies. Their chains reference both historical violence and its eventual containment.
This composition transforms escape into inevitability. Movement becomes the central mechanic. Protection is already in place.
This Level Study establishes the logic of the game itself: once direction is claimed, fear loses its authority.
Original acrylic and mixed media on canvas
One of one
Signed by the artist
Part of Ms. Tubman: The Game
Akio Evans / Hearts & Heroes Studios
Protection is already in place.
This original canvas work functions as a Level Study within Ms. Tubman: The Game, an ongoing series by Akio Evans that reimagines Harriet Tubman’s journey through symbolism, Afrofuturism, and the visual language of play.
The series originated from a dream in which the structure of Ms. Pac-Man was reconfigured through historical memory. In that vision, the ghosts became embodiments of the Ku Klux Klan—present, pursuing, yet ultimately unable to control the path ahead. The energizer elements of the game transformed into North Stars, symbols of navigation, guidance, and spiritual certainty.
The field is rendered in haint blue—a color rooted in Gullah Geechee traditions, historically used to protect thresholds and repel harmful spirits. Here, the color becomes both environment and shield.
Harriet Tubman advances illuminated, while the figures behind her are rendered as chained ghosts—bound, restricted, and unable to cross the protected space she occupies. Their chains reference both historical violence and its eventual containment.
This composition transforms escape into inevitability. Movement becomes the central mechanic. Protection is already in place.
This Level Study establishes the logic of the game itself: once direction is claimed, fear loses its authority.
Original acrylic and mixed media on canvas
One of one
Signed by the artist
Part of Ms. Tubman: The Game
Akio Evans / Hearts & Heroes Studios
Protection is already in place.