"Float like a Butterfly, Sting like a Bee" contrasts Western and African notions of male beauty, masculinity, and power. Here, Villalongo presents a visual collision within the figure incorporating images of Michelangelo's David alongside power figures from many African cultures. The Renaissance marble sculpture, set against the black velvet background, stands out in its stark whiteness. Each artist represents power in ways specific to their respective culture. Michelangelo's David relays the parable of David and Goliath, an example of heart and courage prevailing over physical strength. The "power figures," found in a number of African cultures, are thought to contain great spiritual and healing powers. These interpretations of power, taken from both Western art history and the African diaspora, connect with the Muhammad Ali quote found in the title of Villalongo's work. Images of bees and butterflies join sculptural icons to form the body, while the head is demarcated by a boxing helmet. Three-dimensional drinking gourds, strung together with beads and flocked in black velvet and glitter, are clasped firm in hand. "Muhammad Ali's quote is also about strength and wisdom in life as much as it encapsulates his boxing strategy," says Villalongo. "For Black people, it works well as a life lesson. For me, it's also another instance where cycles of nature and pollination are used as metaphors for resilience and grace under pressure. I make these contrasts to remind the viewer that we are more the same than different."