The “Routes to Roots Series,” by Summer Swanson, 2023 (4/6 series, mixed media, photograph, wire, beads, synthetic hair, jewels, and foam board) exhibited at Galerie D. in France, is a project that reinterprets Vermeer's "The Girl With The Pearl Earring" to offer a fresh perspective, shifting away from the traditional male gaze to cater to the female perspective. It aims to empower women by allowing them to define their own narratives and perceptions, particularly focusing on cultural identity and empowerment. Through the portrayal of two portraits, one showcasing traditional aspects of Mexican culture such as braids and pre-Columbian-inspired jewelry, and another merging Nigerian and American cultures, symbolized by traditional Nigerian headpieces and elements representing the "Black is Beautiful" movement in African American culture, the project seeks to amplify a sense of freedom and identity. It utilizes cultural symbols to represent power, pride, and resistance against historical injustices, aiming to redefine standards of beauty and reclaim cultural heritage. The artworks emphasize the significance of cultural connections and individual agency in shaping identities.