Welcome to February Pt. 1

I know I'm long overdue for a post but this isn't it. This month in celebration of Black History Month (it's also Women in Horror Month) I've been changing my Facebook profile picture to a new piece of work by black female artists (writers, singers, painters, poets- all arts) and since we're halfway through the month I thought I would post all of the people I've shared so far. The idea came to me a few days into the month so there are a couple days not represented.

How I pick artists has been an interesting journey for me. They can't simply be black and female. The art has to speak to me in some way. Whether I like the arrangement, the colors, the subject. All of the art I picked was not random. This has been such a fun project for me. I'm finding artists I've never heard of whose work evokes a reaction in me. So here are the pieces from the first half of the month.

This is the picture that started the idea. I wanted to change my profile picture to a black Rosie the Riveter in solidarity with women of color, our current political environment and Black History Month. The next day I decided to seek artists of color.

Artist: Benjamin Biayenda https://benbiayenda.myportfolio.com/projects

Next was a quote from this song by the wonderful Nina Simone



This painting reminds me of a tiger painting that graced our family room wall when I was a kid.

Artist: Loïs Mailou Jones http://www.loismailoujones.com/

I just couldn't resist the colors in the next piece...

Artist: Shinique Smith http://shiniquesmith.com/

 This sculpture spoke to how I'm feeling politically right now. (I couldn't find a direct website link for Chakaia)

Artist: Chakaia Booker http://www.artnet.com/artists/chakaia-booker/

Who doesn't love A Clockwork Orange? This one made me smile.

Artist Amy Sherald http://www.amysherald.com/

Reminds me of a nymph or sprite you'd find deep in an mystical wood. 

Artist: Wangechi Mutu http://wangechimutu.com/

Love the colors and the uniqueness of this installation.

Artist: Ebony G. Patterson. http://ebonygpatterson.com/

Wise words from a poet...

Nikki Giovanni - poet http://www.nikki-giovanni.com/

Really, it's the handsome kitty that drew me to this one although it looks like he's not a nice kitty judging from the woman's position.

Artist: Ruby Onyinyechi Amanze http://rubyamanze.com/

More fabulous use of colors and fabrics!

Artist: Brianna McCarthy http://www.briannamccarthy.com/

That sums up the first half of the month. Stay tuned for part 2 when February closes.