Wallflower #4,2006
linocut print on
found wallpaper
16x16in

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As an artist, I illustrate what life is like in contemporary society from the perspective of a black, single woman. I am extremely interested in the issue of beauty and self-image. I constantly ask myself, “What is my contribution as a contemporary black artist to the conversation of ‘what black is and what it ain't?’”   For the past 3 years, I have been utilizing pin-up girl imagery to explore this complex subject.

For the Wallflower pin-ups, I derived the images’ poses from the illustrations of pin-up artists from the 50’s.  I then altered each figure, making thighs and backsides fuller, changing their outfits, hairdos, made their lips fuller, noses broader and made their skin black. Each woman has been made to conform to the box she exists in.  Although none of them are standing upright, they effortlessly contort and occupy the space.  They all have expressions of ease, seduction and playfulness.  They are as comfortable in their compartment as they are in their own skin.

For the Video Grrrlzzz, I wanted to address the topic of the exploitation of women in Hip Hop videos.  Each woman is depicted wearing more revealing outfits, more provocative poses and are adorned with puppet strings. The punching bags for heads represent the psychological assault women endure in this industry.  My hope is the work adds to the discourse concerning who is in control.