The Reclaimed Root Series
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"The Reclaimed Root" is a deeply personal journey into rediscovering and reconnecting with my own heritage and identity, as well as those of the vibrant communities that inspire me. This series draws from my reflections on the resilience and strength of marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ artists and people of color, whose stories have often been silenced or overlooked.
Inspired by my first paid photography gig with Quadre “REDD” Curry and the powerful work of King Khloe Katz’s “MAD” series, I have been moved to explore themes of visibility, self-expression, and reclamation. Quadre's dedication to pushing forward progressive media that focuses on people of color and the issues they face has significantly influenced my perspective. Similarly, King Khloe Katz’s embrace of rage and its transformative power as seen in “MAD” has inspired me to delve deeper into my own emotions and the process of reclaiming narratives.
In "The Reclaimed Root," each piece reflects an act of reclaiming—whether it’s a connection to ancestral heritage, a reassertion of personal identity, or an exploration of communal ties. I use bold colors, dynamic compositions, and textured layers to symbolize the complexity and beauty of our roots. Gold leaf and glossy accents represent the hidden treasures within our histories, while the use of red conveys both passion and defiance.
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Medium: Acrylic and Gold Leaf on Canvas Print
Year Created: 2024
Dimensions: 18" x 24"
Description: The first idea to greet me when I walked into the REDD Experience 2 was the idea that color, fashion and decor can communicate messages in visceral ways. REDD's incorporation of mannequins has always felt intentional to me, but this one spoke to me immediately and said something to the effect of "Never forget that you have the freedom to express yourself and what you see through as many mediums as possible."
Medium: Acrylic and Gold Leaf on Canvas Print
Year Created: 2024
Dimensions: 16" X 20"
Description: Capturing a moment between REDD and his partner, this piece reflects the care and love in their relationship, symbolizing the fragile art of caring for our community members with gentleness and intention.
Medium: Acrylic and Gold Leaf on Canvas Print
Year Created: 2024
Dimensions: 18" x 24"
Description: Shooting REDD at his reception for his show I curated at The Congregation was a divinely random and perfect experience. Reality Creators reflects on the idea of artists creating realities they want to see, sometimes for themselves, and sometimes for others, capturing the beauty and healing in these creative processes.
Medium: Acrylic and Gold Leaf on Canvas Print
Year Created: 2024
Dimensions: 18" x 24"
Description: Inspired by REDD’s shoes during the REDD Experience, this piece captures the defiance and power in their fashion choices, celebrating the boldness and pressure of movement and self-expression.
Medium: Acrylic and Gold Leaf on Canvas Print
Year Created: 2024
Dimensions: 18" x 24"
Description: Shine reflects on self-expression and the metaphor of light, symbolizing the choice to share, shine, and change the spaces we enter. The use of red lighting at the REDD Experience event inspired this piece, which explores the subtle intensity of self-expression and freedom.
Medium: Acrylic and Gold Leaf on Canvas Print
Year Created: 2024
Dimensions: 18" x 24"
Description: How I See Me reflects on self-possession and the beauty of being authentically oneself, inspired by witnessing REDD and the larger REDD Movement. The red tones symbolize the Root Chakra, grounding the piece in themes of presence and self-awareness.