Students in Shylah Hamilton's Critical Ethnic Studies course, "Tryin to get free: Foundations and Futures of Intersectionality," present a sculptural installation that invites introspection, expression, and communal dialogue. Built in the form of a tree with hand-crafted apples, leaves, and a central mirror, the piece serves as a metaphor for human desire and collective transformation. The apples represent what we seek to free ourselves from—internalized doubts, limitations, or societal constraints—while the leaves reflect the hopes we carry for the world and our communities. 

At the heart of the tree sits a mirror, a symbol of self-confrontation and reflection. It asks participants to face themselves while considering their role in shaping both personal freedom and collective futures. Viewers are encouraged to write their thoughts on the apples and leaves, becoming active contributors to the artwork and, in turn, to each other's liberation.

This installation is funded by an endowment gift to support The Deborah and Kenneth Novack Creative Citizens Series at CCA, an annual series of public programs focused on creative activism.