In a society where division often overshadows unity, my practice endeavors to break down barriers and build bridges. It is a commitment to fostering empathy, understanding, and a shared sense of responsibility. By harnessing the transformative power of art, I strive to create a ripple effect that goes beyond the gallery walls and resonates within the hearts and minds of those who encounter it.
My journey as an artist is not just a pursuit of aesthetics; it is a deliberate and conscious effort to contribute to the larger narrative of social change. Through my art, I aspire to inspire, challenge, and mobilize communities towards a collective vision of a more just, equitable, and compassionate world. Art is not the end in itself; it is the tool that propels us towards a brighter and more inclusive future.
The White House Domestic Policy Council and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) are hosting a first-of-its-kind summit “Healing, Bridging, Thriving: A Summit on Arts and Culture in our Communities” on January 30th in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the transformative power of culture in shaping our lives, communities, and nation, and to find new paths to arts integration across government agencies.
Many arts agencies, service organizations, and cultural institutions across the country are leading innovative efforts with artists and arts organizations, working across disciplines and with multiple sectors to address serious issues in their communities. Through this national conversation the NEA will consider the ideas, policies, and actions they can take to better integrate and elevate the arts and humanities throughout our country. If you would to help tell this story, please sign up as a virtual attendee.
Healing, Bridging, Thriving: A Summit on Arts and Culture in our Communities Tuesday, January 30, 2024 9:00 a.m.–3:45 p.m. ET
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.
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.
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.
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
