2024 Artist Showcase Contest [LOOKBOOK]

In this art piece I used myself as the main muse. The art piece represents me caring for my own opinion of me rather then thinking of the negative parts of myself, I picked this specific quote because I’m learning the value of my choice and how it means more than what people think I should carry myself. My hair is one of the biggest things in my life and it’s been a marvelous journey figuring out how I want to wear it. I cherish the fact that I can wear my crown with pride.

This piece was inspired by my mother who had to raise two teenagers on her own after a messy divorce. Black women often have to be the strong ones, carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders, and being the ones to pick up all the broken pieces of their children’s life. This piece is a tribute to my mother for being a resilient warrior and as a thank you for all her sacrifices.

Read more about Nya below.

I wanted to capture The 2024 theme “Preserving Elegance & Excellence” by going back and capturing aspects of the influences of the 20’s and 30’s…the days before the Black Migration and then Great Depression. Back when Black folk created dances like the Charleston and the Lindy Hop, and wearing clothes with a touch of “deco” inspired design and style…and capturing that interlude moment when you connect with your essence and the elegance of the past.

Read more about Joseph below.

“When We Speak” was created for an exhibition at the Southside Community Art Center titled “Celebrating Cultural Giants”. The overall concept was inspired by a painting by artist Gerald Griffen that represented President Barack Obama in front of our past Presidents. At the time I thought it would be powerful to represent historically black female leaders who also fought and paved a way for the progressive word we are living in. In this I represent women who used their voice to make a change!

Read more about Raven below.

This piece was commissioned by a friend, and I am submitting it with her permission. I am inspired to submit it because seeing a Black man lead his family in prayer is a beautiful thing. As a king in his home, this husband is seen prominently in the foreground bowing before The King. His wife, clothed in royal purple, and his children are following suit.

Being black, we always find ourselves living in uncertain and stressful times, so we deserve an escape into the beautiful and serene. This digital piece represents a moment in time of simplicity and just letting yourself be. The couple walking with the city backdrop symbolizes getting away from the noise while recognizing how beautiful it still is despite it all and how refreshing black love is.

Read more about Sharnell below.

I was inspired to create this piece by my youngest Son, and Howard University Sophomore Rome Patton. The image is the fulfillment of our Generation (X’s) grandest & greatest aspirations for our children to reflect the notion of Black Excellence & Multicultural influence which we strived so hard to produce on the backs & shoulders of so many Giants before us!

My pieces explore the intimacy and the connection between creation and love. We are all infinite and abundant by nature. Abundant like the Mother of all living, we bear in her likeness. I aim to teach my daughters to walk & seek the path of Goodness, so that the blessings of God are abundantly bestowed upon them- in all things, at all times. Just as it is on this generous Earth we occupy.

Majesty Reborn breathes life into the spirit of the resilient Mursi women, adorned with lip plates embodying courage and heritage. Each stroke echoes their unwavering beauty and power, showcasing a tapestry of identity and resilience that transcends time. Dive into a realm where tradition meets modernity in a harmonious dance of empowerment.

Personal piece based on childhood trauma. Putting the past behind me and living and appreciating the moment. Embrace the now and know you can move on.

The black woman is the embodiment of an unbreakable spirit, forged through the overcoming of countless obstacles. Black women symbolizes a beauty that transcends struggle. The light to a pathway of hope and dignity. We are a legacy of resilience, constantly elevating and evolving for future generations. We are perseverance, love, and a healing spirit. I couldn’t be more grateful to be, a black woman.

I was inspired to write Hold Your Head Up to show my Honor and Gratitude to 3 of the most amazing women I have known. They are my grandmothers and my aunt who recently passed away at 96 years old. Although, they are deceased their legacy to pursue my dreams despite opposition lives on. They all lived through decades of intense racism nevertheless they were Very Intelligent, Virtuous, Beautiful, & Successful. They were truly Black women who walked in Excellence Eloquently.

Read more about Kimberly below.