Queer Faces of Color: To be a Black Woman
Silence is an exquisite teacher. The knowledge introduced through its whispers ignites a spark, transforming the mind into a zoetrope. An array of images unfolds in a progression of colors, lines, and shapes until one transforms into an idea, and a need to somehow recreate a tangible version of the art that looms at the forefront of the mind.
At this moment the series, Queer Faces of Color was conceived. The current state of the world alone, serves as creative stimuli however, much of the influence carries the negativity, fear, and anxiety most closely associated with COVID-19 and continued racial injustice against Black people in the United States. Despite everything that is happening, I still wanted to be able to capture the essence of both genuine happiness and true love. I hope to inspire all that resonates with the Queer Faces of Color series, with my sole purpose being to encourage light and positivity.
A few weeks ago I asked myself, “How dope would it be to curate a photo series that can capture the essence and magicianship of queer Black women?” I followed this rhetoric with the intention to execute, “I’m going to make it happen.” I felt it was imperative to have a photographic representation of the beauty, pride, and spirituality present in the intersectionalities of being Black, queer, and a woman. Many of us have been conditioned to shy away from “labels” but these distinctive labels are key factors of my identity. I rarely see characteristics of my and so many others’ identities captured in an intimate and graceful way. I wanted to exhibit the energy of admiration while also featuring Black women because to me, we embody the spirituality of love.
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I became interested in the inner workings of African ancestral traditions while watching the film Daughter of the Dust. In the movie, a family of former West African slaves living in the Gullah community of coastal South Carolina is experiencing a generational split that causes conflicts and a disconnect amongst loving efforts. In order to complete my vision, I would need to incorporate some of those traditions, as they would add an imprint of delicacy on the heart. I believe we initially view intimacy as primarily sexual, however; there are so many contributing components with the stages of infatuation being among the most important. This is a kind of intimacy beyond touch with distinctive energy shared amongst partners. It’s an energy that can be felt. That’s what I want to convey with this series—the feelings, specifically the feelings associated with being and also loving queer Black women.
When I decided to move forward with my idea, I also decided I wanted a crew of Black women and models that either identify as queer, or strongly support this particular subset of BIPOC communities. I believe I am truly blessed to have worked with such an amazing team of Black women! We had a spectrum of personalities and women with diverse backgrounds on set. A few of the women knew each other but, were mostly meeting everybody for the first time on the day of the shoot. Sometimes this can bring a little anxiety and nervousness to the models however, that was far from the case once we all came together. Everyone’s energy meshed well and we were able to create MAGIC. I had a commitment from all hands on deck from the very beginning, which made me even more excited to make this thing happen. I do a lot of work independently, so I am used to taking on quite a bit of responsibility on my own. It was truly a breath of fresh air to have a collaborative effort underneath my creative direction this time around. I couldn’t have accomplished this without them.
Today the world is in a whirlwind and at a standstill all at the same time but, there is still hope. There is still happiness. There is still, and will always be love. I hope to illuminate the beauty amongst the many storms we face on a daily basis. I want these photos to enkindle warmth and make readers smile on the inside. The first installment of this series should serve as a reminder to live and love in color. This is only the beginning; EB Pixs will embark on an ongoing photographic storytelling journey with the Queer Faces of Color series, embracing Black queer identity and culture.
EB Pixs brings to you Queer Faces of Color: To be a Black Woman, To Love a Black Woman. Inspired by the 1991 film, “Daughters of the Dust,” Queer Faces of Color: To Be a Black Woman, To Love a Black Woman exhibits the peace, pride, and spirituality supporting the effort to be present in all spaces amongst other Black women as we discover the many facets of intimacy.
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