I See Myself in You
When I was younger, my neighbor was a Black lesbian woman who would now be considered a stud. She wore baggy clothes and Jordans; I thought she was the coolest person. I saw girls come to her window at night, never being allowed into her grandparent's home. She’s since passed away, but I never forgot how I could ultimately see myself becoming her, hence me seeing myself in her as a person and persona.
I See Myself in You delves into the intimate dimensions of Black queer identity and experiences. My work centers the stories of Black queer womxn, non-binary, and trans people and illuminates the intersections of our shared lives. This work is inspired by the lack of visual documentation that authentically represents Black queer existence and fills those gaps, fostering a deeper understanding of our experience.
I work closely with participants on this project, creating physical and creative spaces that are safe and affirming. They share their stories and see themselves reflected within a broader, inclusive narrative. The participant's personality shapes each image and offers nuance to their meaning of protection, meditation, and tranquility.
I intentionally photograph in black-and-white to construct timeless and perpetual imagery that can coincide with archived images. This approach allows the viewer to focus on the subjects and the universality of their stories, as well as a sense of ambiguity, encouraging any Black and queer person to see their existence mirrored in the lives displayed in the images.
My work is a tribute to those who have shaped my visual voice. I invite viewers to engage with the world around them through my style and perspective, encouraging personal interpretation and discovery. I am fostering connection through community representation and affirming our identities to encourage collective liberation.
