1619.
Mixed media piece that explores the impact of slavery since the first slave ships in 1619 and the commodification of the black body. The figure is athletic and beautiful, representative of the fetishization of blackness, and its associated athleticism (prevalent in today's culture, whether from basketball or hip hop). As the body blends into the flag, it demonstrates how slavery is woven into the very fabric of this nation. America was born out of slavery and hierarchies of race, and the work addresses its ultimate contributions to the American economy and culture. It addresses Wall Street, tobacco, Jim Crow laws, hip hop— every facet of American Life that has been impacted by the institution of slavery; gender, class, the body politic— all of it has roots or overlaps with slavery.)
Colored pencil on toned paper, digital touch up. 24’’ x 22’’
