Art for Critical Consciousness
Critical consciousness focuses on achieving an in depth understanding of the world, allowing for the perception and exposure of social and political contradictions. Critical consciousness also includes taking action against the oppressive elements that are illuminated by that understanding.
"Knowledge emerges only through invention and re-invention, through the restless, impatient, continuing, hopeful inquiry human beings pursue in the world, with the world, and with each other.”
AMERICA'S VERSION OF HEALING
MIXED MEDIA, 2018
This piece explores the relationship between prescription medication and healing in modern US society. For many, prescription medications are necessary for survival and safety. In any given year 5.2 million people in the United States will experience PTSD. While prescription medication can be a necessity for survival and safety, can it truly heal the deep wounds of trauma experienced individually and systemically?
In this “recycled” assemblage pill bottles, caps, and medications are constructed to evoke an aerial view of a modern city. The “city” is hollow on the inside, dark underneath, and silver coated – calling into question the relationship between treatment (masking the appearance and manifestations of symptoms of trauma) and healing (addressing the root causes of trauma).
the CONSTRUCTION, DECONSTRUCTION AND EXPRESSION OF QUEERNESS
MIXED MEDIA, 2016
I created this self portrait in 2016, following the shooting at Pulse Orlando, an LGBTQIA+ nightclub, in Orlando, Florida, where 49 people were killed and 58 were injured.
This work represents the complexities of queer identity in and on the body. The bright colors represent the vibrance and beauty of authoring your own path and embracing queer identity and community, and yet the body is drawn in charcoal - eyes are closed, because the pressures to conform to social norms have very dangerous implications to both spirit and physical form.
RIPPLE EFFECT
CHARCOAL ON PAPER
Like ripples traveling outwards, we are all connected. Our thoughts and actions impact those around us, and in turn their thoughts and actions impact those around them. The choice we make have far reaching consequences. The smallest daily decisions we make carry the capacity to make great change in the world, positive or negative.