Visit Dana’s Site

How does reimagining the representation of Black womxn's beauty in mainstream culture reconstruct American democracy?

Dana Robinson envisions a world for the Black feminine and queer, through her manipulation of images from Ebony Magazines.

“The Looks of Her”, is an abstraction, which Robinson believes, “is employed to liberate Black womxn from their intended function and original form within advertisements.”

Dana Robinson’s “scattering” of beauty elements dissects the stereotypical image of Black feminine beauty, allowing us to admire these elements of beauty while leaving space to imagine and validate our own.

Visit Acacia's Site

How does Black womxn’s restoration, peace and solace change American democracy?

Bringing a vibrant palette and new vision to “self care” Acacia Rodriguez radically reimagines salon spaces as “organic churches”.

Digitally constructed flora and adorned womxn represent the mystical powers of the salon to unite the worker and the land she toils through a spiritual journey of restoration, peace, and solace.

The gospel- Black womxn’s contributions to a capitalist, racist society are undervalued and their labor over sought. In this landscape Black womxn bask in the beauty they create through self love and intentionally make room for rest and care.

Visit Sphinx’s Site

In what ways can we share the burden of strength to create a more democratic society?

A “skookum” refers to a person who is “marked by strength or power and is of excellent quality.” Sphynxx Deity calls our attention to the active positions Black womxn play in social and political spaces.

Dressed in her “Sunday’s best” the subject is portrayed as a possible catalyst to the deconstruction of the massive structure.

We are invited to go on a journey of finding out “why” and how the unsolicited “strength” of the subject is manifested here.

Get interactive with this piece by writing your thoughts! Materials are provided inside the shop.

Visit Tiffany’s Site

In what ways can you better recognize signals that indicate your “strong friends” are not okay?

Tiffany Baker creates a visual description of the absurd irony black womxn face when dealing with their projected role as “saviors” in society.

Through Baker’s distinctive use of realist portraiture, we are introduced to a powerless subject, who with convicting eyes, is consciously aware of their environment and state of being.

Flooded with rising waters, the precarious position of the subject forms a conflict and dubious hope for their survival. Baker says “The hope for a better democracy is one where black femmes have breathable space to care for their needs and are not asked to be a savior to others.”

Visit Mz. Icar’s Site

How would democratizing land WITH groups of people challenge or change democracy as an American principle?

Mz. Icar creates reimagined historical narratives in the form of geometric mixed media street art, celebrating relevant themes like women and global Blackness.

“In Us We Trust” recenters democracy starting with the foundations: equity, perspective and legacy. The triangular foundation of this piece demonstrates the balance of intersectionality between people, voice and presence in environmental democracy.

Highlights of green and floral imagery honors the land and multigenerational involvement in transferring the value and meaning of one’s own land and power from generation to generation.

Visit Robert's Site

What does it mean for one to “carry a torch”? In what ways are you willing to carry someone else’s torch for true democracy?

Through his use of cultural imagery and movement, Robert Newman III calls us to action through inquiry.

Present day artists- activist Marla Louissaiant is juxtaposed with revolutionary graffiti artist Keith Haring’s cultural shifting characters.

Through this intentional connection, Robert calls viewers to recognize the cyclical nature of revolution and the”soul ties” it creates.

Visit Ananda’s Site

Young people are often doubted because of their age, but this piece proves that our youth are powerful. What would you tell your inner child to act on today?

Assembling womxn and girls of various backgrounds, 19-year-old Ananda Ray reminds us that voice and power are not synonymous with age.

In afro-puffs and electric colors, “Reflections of Resistance” celebrates the power of collective girlhood and illustrates the vibrancy of the “everyday” Black girls who “create what should exist”.

Get interactive with this piece and scan the QR codes in the work to meet our local heroes.

Visit Sona’s Site

Ms. Hill and Ms. Holiday were radical imagineers who were often “cancelled” because of their resilience to democratize creativity. What creative freedoms are you ready to reclaim and renew?

Centering Lauryn Hill between a mainstream and revolutionary Billie Holiday, Sona calls our attention to the power of sonic artistry as a utility of individual freedoms.

“Reclaim and Renew” draws us to the personal experiences that deeply influenced the sounds of Hill and Holiday. Two triangles, the symbol of balance, center the astrological signs of Lauryn Hill (Gemini) and Billie Holiday (Aries).

As the relationship between air and fire is dependent, Lauryn and Billie are women from two eras who rise against society and into their creative freedom, a soul tie transcending time.