Artist Statement
“For Black women and femmes to exist in the future, they have to live and flourish in the present.” - Cheyenne M. Davis
My artistry is an archive of Black girls and Black women’s stories, and at the core of this archive is my love for every single Black girl and Black woman (regardless of how they show up); each artwork tells a love story. Through painting and drawing, I celebrate their everyday stories and emphasize the importance of these stories in liberation movements. Inspired by the concept of Afrofuturism— which (re)imagines a world that centers Black people’s past, present, and future—my work (re)imagines a world that centers the heritage, ancestors, culture, creativity, knowledge, labor, community, and future of Black girls and Black women. I use my experience and interactions with others to inform these imaginations. I ask myself questions such as: “What does it look like for me to live in a world where I am not rendered invisible?”
Every aspect of my pieces is intentional—some happy accidents do occur. My use of avɔ [African textile prints] in several pieces draws from my Ewe and Fon cultures of wearing avɔ during moments of joy and celebration. My choice of purple glitter is to portray the beauty and sacredness of Black girls and Black women. The color purple is often associated with royalty, creativity, and wisdom.
My artistry is also informed by my academic formation. Black and Indigenous African feminist thoughts (writings of Anna Julia Cooper, Gloria Naylor, Audre Lorde, Yaa Gyasi, bell hooks) are at the backbone of my art. The writings of these women confront controlling images that portray a one-dimensional experience for Black girls and Black women. I am also inspired by contemporary artists such as Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Qualesha Woods, Bisa Butler, and Njideka Akunyili Crosby. Their portrayal of Black personhood has evoked in me a desire to be seen, be in community, and create works that bring forth these emotions for others.
