Kelsey Mack

May 1st - May 29th 2021

Opening Reception: Saturday May 1st 5 pm

A History Remade: Reclamation of the Black Visual Identity

This work speaks to the lack of depth in representation of black beauty in media and the history of art.

Statement

Many find the current socio-political climate “good enough” or satisfactory for black individuals to develop when the truth is that it is still just as difficult to thrive. We are asked to be satisfied with the inaccurate representation and two-dimensional light that black women are put in.

I often think about what it means to be a dark-skinned black woman, specifically in America– a country with a large cinematic presence, that does not often include the black female body as the norm in beauty standards. With this in mind, I decided to make my own representation, main characters, and story. The subjects in A History Remade, the women in my immediate family, are meant to be analogs for anyone who may be experiencing this systematic oppression.

The material that I use is black and white film, a medium which has historically been dominated by white male artists. My goal is to take this art form and create a new narrative for a restricted history, while also allowing those that look like me or have similar experiences to see themselves and feel as though they are being seen.

A History Remade consists of 19 prints at the size of 20×20’’ and larger consisting of mirrors, my sister, my mother, and I. The size of these prints are meant to grasp the viewer’s attention.

We are forces of nature to be reckoned with. We are not to be taken lightly. Emotions, power, and self-confidence are not limited to one race or ethnicity.

BIO

Kelsey Mack is a photographer working in Southern Louisiana.

Pricing and further documentation available on request. Contact gallery@yeswecannibal.org. All work is copyright of the artist(s) 2021.

 

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