Antwuan Sargent: So the point of departure for this particular project is obviously Althea Gibson's historic debut in 1950, 75 years ago, at the precursor to the US Open. With that historical element, how did you approach this mission in relationship to what the US Open might mean to you?
Honor Titus: Well, first and foremost, it's quite the honor to be thought of in this context, to be approached with this opportunity. From Althea’s breaking of the color barrier to the success of Francis Tiafoe and Coco Gauff, it's a direct lineage to that moment in 1950. There’s a sense of fear and hope and grandeur and elevation inherent in this story. And those are attributes that I hope are inherent in my work. To be able to revel in Althea’s moment, to be able to revel in tennis, to be able to revel in the minutia and the paired-back esthetic of the 1950s is just super fun for me, and it's the grounds that I'm very comfortable in.
Queen of Spring, 2025
Oil on canvas
84 x 72 inches (213.4 x 182.9 cm)