The Reign & Ms. Education of The Black Phoenix
Venue: The Movement Theatre Company, NY
Project: 1 MOVE: DES19NED Commission
Inspiration
I decided to focus on ancestral-mental health within the BIPOC community.
I wanted to explore the language between fleeting smiles
&
the external mask we put on for the world
For the longest I and many others believed that trauma somehow devalues your identity,
when in reality it gives birth to the very seeds
needed to insure growth.
I wanted to turn this illusion to ash and exploit it through a visual parable
In the end, I discovered it is
possible to simultaneously heal and be rooted in your culture;
unapologetically.
Your story may not be perfect, but as long as your cup is full it
will be boundless.
Venue: The Movement Theatre Company, NY
Project: 1 MOVE: DES19NED Commission
Inspiration
I decided to focus on ancestral-mental health within the BIPOC community.
I wanted to explore the language between fleeting smiles
&
the external mask we put on for the world
For the longest I and many others believed that trauma somehow devalues your identity,
when in reality it gives birth to the very seeds
needed to insure growth.
I wanted to turn this illusion to ash and exploit it through a visual parable
In the end, I discovered it is
possible to simultaneously heal and be rooted in your culture;
unapologetically.
Your story may not be perfect, but as long as your cup is full it
will be boundless.
Kindred
Author: Octavia Spencer
Book Summary: The story starts with a twenty-six year old African American woman named Dana in the 1970's. Tensions are high still for interracial couples but she and Kevin Franklin (her caucasian husband) are optimistic about their move to Southern California. During one hot afternoon Dana becomes dizzy and wakes up in Maryland, but during the 1800's. Throughout the book Dana travels back and forth through time to find the connection between her current life and her ancestral linage.
Design Concept: I decided to focus on the rich fabrication of the 1970's & 1800's. After conducting research, I formulated 3D- collages to help bring the stories to life. I focused on the hue in both centuries while purposefully keeping some color connectivity between both realms. I artistically cast modern day celebrities that fit the character description in both the past and present.
Author: Octavia Spencer
Book Summary: The story starts with a twenty-six year old African American woman named Dana in the 1970's. Tensions are high still for interracial couples but she and Kevin Franklin (her caucasian husband) are optimistic about their move to Southern California. During one hot afternoon Dana becomes dizzy and wakes up in Maryland, but during the 1800's. Throughout the book Dana travels back and forth through time to find the connection between her current life and her ancestral linage.
Design Concept: I decided to focus on the rich fabrication of the 1970's & 1800's. After conducting research, I formulated 3D- collages to help bring the stories to life. I focused on the hue in both centuries while purposefully keeping some color connectivity between both realms. I artistically cast modern day celebrities that fit the character description in both the past and present.
Blackfly
Design Concept: This is a self-reflection triptych. In this project I wanted to dive into my place of origin Bronx, NY. The crown on each portrait is filled with educational imagery from New York City. I found solace in education all of my life and it inspired me to believe beyond my horizons. Each image represents a stage of reflection in the order of standard, chaos, and equilibrium.
Design Concept: This is a self-reflection triptych. In this project I wanted to dive into my place of origin Bronx, NY. The crown on each portrait is filled with educational imagery from New York City. I found solace in education all of my life and it inspired me to believe beyond my horizons. Each image represents a stage of reflection in the order of standard, chaos, and equilibrium.
