Baltimore-based visual artist Elijah Trice (b. 1994) thoughtfully renders hyper-realistic portraits of black subjects using oil sticks and paint, creating vibrant images that address the complexities of the black experience. Trice highlights the beauty and resilience of blackness while challenging historical narratives and stereotypes that have plagued his community. As a contemporary descendant of a long line of portraitists, Trice’s paintings shine light on neglected and forgotten stories with a sense of regality, emphasizing joy, elegance, and self-worth. The large-scale composition of his portraits further justifies the significance of the many intricate stories they tell. Trice aims to establish and document a library of compelling narratives and lores to pass down to future generations.