“you know how dangerous it is
to wear dark skin”
– Lucille Clifton
“Our skin is just a cover-up
For the land where none dare go,
an internal inferno,
The anathema of anatomy.”
– Wisława Szymborska
This exhibition features an array of artworks, blending new, old, recycled, and repurposed pieces that incorporate elements such as flesh, skin, intestines, and various body parts. Throughout the creative process, my focus delved into the intricate intersection of race, exploring how the social construction of racial differences profoundly influences emotions, cognition, and the physical form of the body.
James Baldwin's poignant words in "Letter From A Region In My Mind" serve as a guiding force, highlighting the early impact of racial distinctions on individuals, especially the divisive white and black narrative. The spurious pseudoscientific division at the core of white supremacy, asserting the dominance of 'white is might and right,' underscores the pervasive influence of racial constructs.
This collection delves into the subtle nuances of racialized emotions, examining how they manifest within our flesh and skin amid racially charged situations. The artworks explore internal and external metamorphoses, shedding light on the intricate processes of circulating, assessing, and expressing emotions in physical forms. The pieces also delve into the profound transformation of the body in the pursuit of inclusion or amid the challenges of racial contestation, exploring collective guilt, pleasure, shame, and other emotional dimensions inherent in the racial experience.