afro-jamaican, american
by Imani Nixon
of heritage and a questioning of gender roles. My lineage hails from
Jamaica and, ultimately Africa. I find interest in the intersection of my
American heritage, Jamaican heritage, and African ancestry. My art
attempts to address notions of “blackness” and to develop a concretization
of this abstract cultural concept visual medium. For me, “blackness”
concerns itself with an understanding of one’s connection to Africa. I
employ such exploration through incorporation of patterns and textiles,
which bear reference to African slaves used for labor in the colony of
Jamaica. I hope that these patterns, juxtaposed with the female figure
force viewers to acknowledge both their long, conflicted history, but also
the role of the woman in this history. In addition to this juxtaposition, I am
also aim to examine femininity through cultural expression, subject matter,
and the poses of my models (which refer to the “duties” of womanhood). I
replicate many of the African patterns and textures through printing on the
gallery walls to expand the viewer's visual horizons beyond the framed
image. The patterns will not only activate the space but, even more, create
further conversations about the process of the work. This reconfiguration
will break the boundary of traditional photography by making the image go
beyond the frame and expanding inside the gallery space." - Imani Nixon
Opening Reception during First Fridays, September 1st, from 6-10pm