Ryan Cosbert’s abstract paintings employ layered grid structures and vibrant colors to convey the emotions of the people of the African diaspora. The artist’s use of the grid format creates a sense of control, while also providing a geometric balance to the heavy content of each composition. Cosbert’s works are expressions of her experience as an African American woman of Caribbean descent—Haitian and Guyanese—as well as a response to prominent historical events and political issues.