Monday, November 10, 2008

New Artist statement.

This series of shirts is called I'm Black. It takes the phrase 'I'm Black' and morphs the text into many different images that represents different stereotypes and how they may or may not pertain to myself while others are more personal experiences. All of them are trying to get the viewer to think outside of their cultural norms. I want to make them think why do they think or don't think these stereotypes are true.
The reason I used shirts is because it makes the message portable. I can wear it and let others see and think about it easily. As well, the idea of shirts having phrases on them is not new, so people will be much more open to it than if I made a video. People will be more open to reading a t-shirt for a couple seconds that might bring up something they might feel uncomfortable about than watch a 3-5 minute movie on the same subject. The briefness of the shirt let's the viewer relax.
The great thing about this work is that it can be done by anyone and any race. While the viewer is thinking about how I work into stereotypes they can think on how they might be or not be similar to stereotypes they know. In the end I hope my shirts can help the viewer in learning about themselves and how they fit into society.

1 comment:

Fereshteh said...

This looks great. I would omit this sentence:
As well, the idea of shirts having phrases on them is not new, so people will be much more open to it than if I made a video.
The next sentence explains your sentiment well enough.

RE The great thing about this work is that it can be done by anyone and any race.
What do you mean by using the verb DO? Do you mean that the shirt can be worn by anyone?

RE While the viewer is thinking about how I work into stereotypes they What do you mean by using the verb WORK? Do you mean that the viewer will consider how you FIT a stereotype, or how you are QUESTIONING stereotypes?