banana split / the real deal

Lauren Halsey's *banana split / the real deal* (2022) is a vibrant and visually commanding work that combines acrylic, enamel, and gold and silver leaf on wood to create a richly layered surface. The piece reflects Halsey's signature blending of community iconography, signage, and cultural symbols drawn from South Central Los Angeles, rendered with luminous metallic accents that elevate everyday imagery to an almost mythological status. The interplay of bold color and gleaming leaf lends the work an energy that bridges the sacred and the street-level, honoring Black culture and urban life with both reverence and joy.