Navigating Media Narratives: A Creative Response

In a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, the nuanced perspectives of nearly 5,000 Black adults shed light on the enduring challenges faced by Black Americans in media representation. The findings reveal a pervasive sense of concern, with a majority expressing skepticism about the prospects of positive change in the foreseeable future.

According to the Pew Research Center, 39% of Black Americans frequently encounter news that is perceived as racist or racially insensitive. Furthermore, a substantial 43% believe that media coverage predominantly relies on stereotypes when depicting Black individuals. The survey also exposes a concerning sentiment, with almost two-thirds of Black adults (63%) asserting that news about the Black community tends to be more negative compared to coverage of other racial and ethnic groups.

Addressing Issues Through Art:

As an artist deeply engaged with societal narratives, I find inspiration and purpose in confronting these challenges through my creative endeavors. The act of weaving, a fundamental part of my artistic practice, serves as a transformative process for me to address and visually reinterpret the negative portrayals present in media narratives.

Creative Transformation:

Through my work, I intentionally integrate these negative stories into the textiles I craft. This intentional act of creation is not merely about representation; it’s a powerful tool of transformation. By weaving these narratives into my art, I navigate a process that both confronts and separates me from the weight of these stories.

A Visual Commentary:

The textiles I create become more than just artistic expressions; they become visual commentaries on the media landscape. Each piece bears the threads of societal narratives, challenging viewers to consider the impact of media representation on the perception of Black individuals. It’s an invitation to engage in a dialogue that goes beyond the surface, encouraging reflection on the broader implications of biased news coverage.

Empowering through Art:

In the face of media challenges, my artistic practice becomes a means of empowerment. By reclaiming agency through the act of creation, I seek to unravel the negative threads woven into the media discourse. The resulting artworks offer not only a critique of biased coverage but also a testament to the resilience and transformative power inherent in art.

As the survey highlights the persisting challenges in media representation, artists play a crucial role in shaping the narrative. By creatively responding to these issues, we contribute to a broader dialogue that challenges existing norms and fosters a more equitable and nuanced portrayal of the Black experience. Through art, we transform negative narratives into expressions of strength, resilience, and empowerment.

Bottle Cap Pearls

Art as Catalyst: Part 2

Through my social practice, I strive to create spaces that transcend the conventional boundaries of artistic expression. I mobilize communities, encouraging them to participate in a collective dialogue about the issues that matter. The power of art lies not just in its visual or auditory appeal, but in its ability to challenge preconceptions, question norms, and inspire action.

Art, as a tool for social change, is not confined to grand gestures or monumental installations. It is found in the subtle nuances of everyday life, in the stories of individuals, and in the shared experiences that bind us together. My work seeks to tap into this collective consciousness, fostering connections that serve as a catalyst for change.

Collective Resilience

Free Your Mind is a collective expression of resilience, a visual testament to the shared experiences of individuals who have faced microaggressions.

It is through this communal act of storytelling, participants find catharsis and the opportunity to reclaim a sense of agency.

Liberate Your Mind: Unleashing the Power of Freedom

Free Your Mind transcends the traditional boundaries of art, becoming a dynamic force for social change.

It not only creates a space for dialogue but actively works towards dismantling the structures that perpetuate microaggressions.

By giving a voice to the marginalized and fostering empathy and awareness, this public textile art endeavor stands as a testament to the transformative power of art in the pursuit of genuine social change.

Share a story about a microaggression you have experienced.

How did it make you feel? 

PLEASE SHARE >>>HERE

2024 Free Your Mind will be on display at:

  • Touchstone Center for Arts, Farmington PA from May 17 – September 20
  • Delaware Contemporary in Wilmington, DE from June 7 – August 30

Im looking for more venues, galleries, universities, libraries, community centers to host Free Your Mind. If you have any leads, please direct message me. Tnx

Get Ready For an Unforgettable 2024

It is the beginning of January and my 2024 calendar is already jam packed with exhibitions, talks and residencies… Have a look, at the dates and direct message me if you want to meet up while i’m in town for these upcoming events.

Ponytails and Door Knocker Earring Installation

Dates: January 17-  June 17

Location: Time Equities Lobby 55 5th Avenue, New York NY

Opening Reception: Jan 17 @ 6-8pm

There will be an in person artist talk in Marcy 2024, date TBC.

Surface Design Association:  – Parallel Play  Artist in Residence

Date:  January 27- February 3

Open Studio Jan 29 @ 2:00pm

Open Studio Feb 1 @ 2:00pm

Artist Talk Feb 3 @ 3:30pm ET

Warriors

Exhibition Dates: February 3- 25

Opening Reception: Saturday, February 3 from 5 to 8 pm.

Location: Art House Gallery: 345 Marin Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 

Weaving As Artistic Expression

Date: February 8th, 8:00pm ET

Location: Hudson Valley Mohawk Weavers Zoom

Metamorphosis: Recycled, Repurposed, Reimagined

Exhibition Dates: February 9- April 21

Opening Reception: February 9 from 5 to  7pm.

Location: Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center; 13470 Dowell Rd, Solomons, MD 

Artist Residency

Dates: May 10-24

Location: Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA 

Free Your Mind @ Touchstone

Dates: May 17 – September 20

Location: Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA 

Free Your Mind Artist Talk (TBC)

Dates: May 17

Location: Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA 

Uncontained: Reimagining Basketry

Exhibition Dates: May 19, 2024 – September 2, 2024

Location: Hunterdon Art Museum, 7 Lower Center St, Clinton, NJ

Free Your Mind @ 2024 Discover

Exhibition Dates: June 7 – August 30

Opening Reception: June 7, 5:00-9:00 pm

Location: Delaware Contemporary; 200 S Madison St, Wilmington, DE

Free Your Mind  ZOOM Talk for Touchstone Teens

Dates: July 16

Location:  ZOOM Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA 

Beyond: Tapestry Expanded

Exhibition Dates: August 1- December 15

Location: Peeler Art Center at DePauw University; 204 E. Seminary St., Greencastle IN  

Artist Residency

Dates: September 13-27

Location: Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA 

In Person Free Your Mind Artist  Talk 

Dates: September 20

Location:  Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA 

Art as Catalyst: Part 1

In the realm of artistic expression, I find solace in the belief that art is not merely a static entity confined to galleries, canvases, or tapestries. Instead, it is a dynamic force capable of transcending traditional boundaries, sparking conversations, and ultimately fostering social change.

My journey as an artist has led me to embrace a social practice where the aim is clear: to channel the power of art as a tool for mobilization and as a space for critical dialogue.

Art, in its various forms, has the unique ability to captivate hearts, challenge minds, and ignite powerful emotions. It is a universal language that speaks to individuals across cultures and backgrounds. However, my conviction lies in the understanding that art is not the end goal; it is the means to a greater purpose — social change.

In a world marked by complex challenges and evolving societal dynamics, I aim to go beyond the confines of traditional artistic pursuits. By integrating social practice into my artistic journey, I have discovered the incredible potential to engage with communities on a deeper level. Art becomes a bridge, connecting diverse perspectives and providing a platform for unheard voices.