Semester

Summer

Date of Graduation

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MFA

College

College of Creative Arts

Committee Chair

Naijun Zhang

Committee Co-Chair

Patrick Jones

Committee Member

Patrick Jones

Committee Member

Gloria Negrete Lopez

Abstract

This written document is the accompanying thesis for my Master of Fine Arts Exhibition, “WHERE DID YOUR CHRIST COME FROM?”, shown at Gallery 937 in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (displayed April 5th-June 9th, 2024). Through painting, sculpture, and installation, I rely on an intuitive artmaking practice to create work that makes commentary on race, gender and identity. This thesis documents my research on contemporary influences, experimentation with materials and my point of view in conversation with intersectional feminism while navigating institutional racism.

Conceptually the work of my thesis is deeply influenced by womanism and Black culture, which informs my exploration of the lived experiences and histories of Black women. Womanism provides a framework for understanding the intersections of race, gender, sexuality and class, emphasizing the importance of Black women's voices and experiences in shaping societal narratives. Black culture with its rich heritage and dynamic expressions, serves as a foundational element in my work, celebrating resilience, creativity and community.

Artistically my influences include Afrofuturism, street art and pop art from a satirical point of view. Afrofuturism with its blend of fantasy and Afrocentricity allows me to envision an alternative reality where Black identities are centered and celebrated. Street art in its raw, immediate, and often subversive nature, reflects my role in contemporary social issues and how I engage with them. Satirical pop art by critiquing and recontextualizing popular culture enables me to address the commodification of Black bodies and the pervasive impact of media representation.

In the end, “WHERE DID YOUR CHRIST COME FROM?” was created to be a welcoming safe space that offers solidarity for Black femmes such as myself to feel seen and heard. The autobiographical work of this exhibition fosters a deep understanding of the complexities of social issues, identity, and challenges viewers to reflect on their own perceptions and biases.

Download

Share

COinS