This October, I’m honored to share two deeply personal works, Classic LBD and Boa Quill, at the Newark Arts Festival 2025: JOY. Both pieces reflect my ongoing exploration of how beauty, adornment, and protection intersect in the face of microaggressions.
- Classic LBD reimagines the iconic little black dress as armor, turning a fashion staple into a shield against the daily cuts of bias.
- Boa Quill asks: If I adorned myself in a feather boa made of zip ties, would you still come for me in the same way? Here, materials usually associated with containment become symbols of defiance and resilience.
These works connect to my larger practice, including the Blackity Black Blanket Ladders, woven monuments of reclaimed materials that honor Black resilience by transforming the weight of microaggressions into visible, collective testimony. Together, they stand as reminders that what was meant to harm can also be reshaped into protection, beauty, and joy.
Theda Sandiford
100′ of slip half hitched chain black glitter 1/4” cotton rope, knotted with ribbon, recycled sari ribbon, acrylic yarn, pearls and 8” zip ties on bamboo ring.
60 x 14 x 4 in
2021
Theda Sandiford
Recycled fishing net, ribbon, paracord and handmade jewelry on dressform
46 x 20 x 6 in
2020
