Simone Elizabeth Saunders’ She Holds the Key is a powerful tribute to Serena Williams, capturing her immense strength while honoring her undeniable grace. The work operates as a visual metaphor for Williams’ lived experience as an athlete who not only dominated her sport, but did so under relentless scrutiny. Every movement on the court, every word spoken off it, was dissected and criticized, often more harshly than her peers. Yet through this constant surveillance, Williams’ resilience never wavered. Her strength, discipline, and self-belief propelled her into the ranks of world-class champions whose legacy cannot be denied.
Saunders translates this narrative of endurance and triumph through her masterful use of textile art. Working with cotton and linen cloth layered with richly textured wool threads, she manipulates a tufting gun with remarkable precision and sensitivity. The resulting surface is both bold and tactile, echoing the physical power of Williams’ game while maintaining an elegance that reflects her composure and poise. The medium itself becomes part of the message with soft materials shaped into a commanding presence, much like Williams redefining what power can look like in women’s sports.
She Holds the Key is not only a portrait, but a statement about visibility, perseverance, and the cost of excellence when the world is always watching. Saunders’ technique and subject merge seamlessly, creating a work that honors both artistic innovation and athletic greatness. What’s your interpretation?
To learn more about Simone Elizabeth Saunders’ tufting gun technique and process, watch the video below.
