In the heart of Delray Beach, Florida, a powerful moment unfolded at the Cornell Art Museum, where tennis sensation Coco Gauff was honored with a striking portrait by acclaimed Haitian-American artist Harold Caudio. The unveiling of this vibrant pop art piece, part of the museum’s “Pop Culture” exhibition, brought tears and pride to Gauff’s family, marking a celebration of her meteoric rise in tennis and her profound impact beyond the court. The event, held on July 19, 2025, was a testament to Gauff’s influence as a local hero and global icon, resonating deeply with her mother, Candi Gauff, and grandmother, Yvonne Lee Odom, who were visibly moved during the ceremony.
Coco Gauff, the World No. 2 tennis player, has become a beacon of inspiration at just 21 years old. Since turning professional in 2018, she has amassed an impressive resume, including two Major titles and 19 singles and doubles championships, alongside over $27 million in career prize money. Her recent triumph at the 2025 French Open, where she outlasted World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 final, solidified her place among tennis elites like Venus Williams and Iga Swiatek. Yet, Gauff’s legacy extends far beyond her athletic achievements. Her commitment to speaking out against injustice and using her platform to inspire has made her a role model, particularly for young women and her hometown community.
The portrait, a hand-sewn yarn creation titled “Warri-Her,” represents a bold evolution in Caudio’s artistic journey. Known for his iconic Skittles portraits of cultural giants like Bob Marley and Beyoncé, Caudio shifted to yarn to craft a piece that embodies women’s strength and empowerment, inspired by his late mother. The Gauff portrait, unveiled during Caudio’s “Not Candy” artist talk, captures the essence of her resilience and grace. “Like, she speaks up, she shows what beliefs look like when people doubt you, and I feel the same,” Caudio shared, reflecting on how Gauff’s courage mirrors his own values and inspires his daughter.
Candi Gauff, a constant presence at her daughter’s tournaments, was overcome with emotion at the unveiling. In an Instagram reel, she spoke of the artwork’s depth, noting, “When I see this piece, and how he describes it, and the background with the darkness and the person goes through their journey…” Her voice cracked as she connected the piece to Coco’s path of overcoming challenges. The event was especially poignant in Delray Beach, where Gauff’s roots run deep. She reflected on her family’s legacy, particularly her grandmother’s fight for equality during the civil rights era: “63 years ago, my grandmother had to fight for girls like me to even have a fair education. And now, generations later, I am able to make my own impact on the same city, but only because of what she accomplished.”
The Cornell Art Museum, housed in the historic 1913 Delray Elementary School, provided a fitting backdrop for this tribute. The “Pop Culture” exhibition, running through September 28, 2025, features a diverse array of artists, including GWAK’s larger-than-life sculptures and Annina Rüst’s feminist reimagining of Pac-Man. Caudio’s work, however, steals the spotlight with its emotional resonance. He plans to gift the Gauff portrait to her family at the exhibition’s close, a gesture that underscores the personal connection between the artist and his muse.
Gauff, who reposted a video of the unveiling on her Instagram, expressed her gratitude for the honor. Her influence off the court is as dynamic as her forehand, as she continues to advocate for equality and inspire young fans. “Waving to the young girls in tennis, knowing that my presence and influence of what they see in their own life is incredibly meaningful,” she said. As Gauff prepares for the US Open, the final Grand Slam of 2025, her legacy—now immortalized in Caudio’s art—continues to grow, bridging generations and igniting hope in Delray Beach and beyond.
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