Artist Statement
Through the utilization of magazine clippings, newspaper, and fabric I am recontextualizing found materials to confront how the African American man and woman is represented and perceived in society. In these works, I present individuals juxtaposed with contrasting hair, facial features, body parts, environments, and clothing. My collages ascribe to the multifaceted African diaspora by visually depicting cultural appropriation, race, police brutality, stereotypes, identity, and the idealized standards of beauty placed upon women of color. The act of cutting and manipulating allows me to have control to tell our story by expressing the oppressive nature and historical narratives associated with the black community. The representation of individuals of color has been polluted for centuries with discriminatory imagery. I challenge those reactionary views and ideals with my contemporary collages. The black experience is permeated with unparalleled allure, struggle, solidarity, and culture which I explore through my creative practice.
Close The Blinds, Collage, 13x9, 2022