Studio Art major
As a multimedia artist hailing from the powerhouse that is the streets of Harlem, my work serves to investigate and capture the intricate interplay between fashion and subculture. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences as well as fashion theory, I seek to unravel the layers of meaning embedded within clothing and style. Fashion, for me, transcends mere clothing; it is a powerful vehicle for collective cultural history, a mirror reflecting the nuances of identity and belonging. With a keen focus on representing and liberating individuals existing on the fringes of society, my artistic practice is rooted in the celebration of diversity and the amplification of marginalized identities.
Through mediums such as collage, textile, sculpture, video, and performance, I aim to encapsulate the multiplicities of identity, challenging conventional notions of beauty and normalcy. Each piece I create is a tapestry woven from the threads of personal narratives, cultural references, and social commentary, inviting viewers to explore the complexities of the human experience.
multimedia (collage, textile, photography, video)
Jewett Hallway Galleries, Jewett-PNW bridge
Clurb is a visual exploration delving into the adornment of black queer bodies within alternative spaces. This project serves as a deep dive into the ways in which these bodies express themselves, navigate survival, seek healing, challenge norms, find pleasure, and ultimately curate a proud understanding of the self. Specifically centered on the sartorial practices within black queer nightlife in NYC, Clurb is a heartfelt homage to the community that has nurtured me since childhood, shaping me into the person I am today. At 21 years old, experiencing my first year of legal partying in the city, Clurb feels exceptionally significant to me. It stands as a personal and visual archive of this pivotal time, capturing the essence of a community that has been a constant support system. This project has been a multidisciplinary endeavor, weaving together various mediums such as textiles, jewelry making, photography, video, collage, and more.
Throughout the year-long creative process, Clurb has been a journey of self-discovery and a celebration of community. It has been about experimenting with materials, researching, and ultimately feeling deeply connected to both myself and those around me. The act of assembling and curating identity within the queer experience is the mitochondria of this work.
Clurb is a visual love letter to the beauty and resilience found within black queer spaces. This work may not resonate with everyone, but for those who feel its call, it is an invitation to embrace and celebrate the multifaceted layers of identity and community. Welcome home, darling; we’ve been waiting for you. Meet me at the Clurb.
textiles, found clothing
Jewett Gallery