Artist Statement
Codecs/Context is a collection of new work that reflects my experience of race and identity in America. This body of work focuses on stereotypes of Black Masculinity and Femininity within the paradigm of the Black Community. Specifically, I have noted the use of codecs (devices that compress and decompress data to enable faster transmission of that data) within the community to quickly pack and unpack information about Black men and women amongst themselves, while losing vital information and context about the individual.
While the term codec is related to information technology, it very much mimics human behavior and emotions.These codecs may take many forms, such as a brown paper bag (as related to skin tone), or a pencil (as related to hair texture), to name a few. These notions are problematic, as they set up division within the Black Community and encourage acts of misogyny, misandry, bullying, and “light skinned privilege". My ongoing body of work refers to such things as the historical practice, in Black communities, of colorism (prejudice or discrimination against individuals regarding their skin tone, typically among people of the same ethnic or racial group), and texturism (the idea that certain types of natural hair patterns are more desirable or beautiful than others, especially if they mimic European hair).
Many of the works in this exhibition employ the use of an ancient codec, Adinkra symbols, as a pathway to a more positive and uplifting dialogue. The depth of meaning within these symbols serves as a counterpoint to the information lost when we "compress" our views of one another. In this way, we are guided to examine ephemeral moments of joy within the Black Community. Despite the many difficulties and hardships we face while existing in this country, I am in awe that we are still able to have moments of joy, happiness, belonging, and peace, even if for a moment.
At the core of my motivation for creating Codecs/Context, and my practice in general, is the intent to build solidarity among Black folk by considering how we treat one another, while giving insight and understanding to those outside of the community.
