Vignette x Shayla Marshall

This is a collaborative project with contemporary artist Shayla Marshall

Vignette is a collaborative piece inspired by contemporary artist Shayla Marshall‘s practice.

I admired her connection and deep understanding of her Black American culture. "Vignette" is a physical manifestation of what I admire in Black American culture. Not to diminish Black American culture to bamboo earrings, cheetah print, and hair, but it's more about the elegance, boldness, independence, and flamboyancy that Black American culture embodies.

While working with Marshall, I have felt more connected and in tune with my blackness than ever before. Creating and reimagining old English furniture together has been a bonding and learning experience that has been deeply personal and enlightening.

Throne VI * VII

Throne VI

Throne VII

Throne VI * VII

1/7

The Throne VI & VII

The Throne" is a celebration of black hair, its history, and symbolism. While hair is biological, physical and social, The Throne explores my take on Black American identity. Blackness is a complex experience that is unique to each individual. The Throne represents an exploration and transformation of understanding my connection to my heritage and identity. Hair and identity go hand in hand. Black hair has a unique texture that can be sculpted and moulded. "The Throne" uses braiding hair extensions to replicate the vast ability of what Black hair can do.

Soulaani

This work is about rewriting the history of colonization and celebrating black culture. Each of the three pieces tells a story that contributes to a bigger picture. Both Marshall and I explore black culture and experiences in our practice but in our own way.