Black History Month 2022 Artwork Showcase
In honor of Black History Month, Black creatives from the TAP collective were invited to share their artwork and reflect on what Black History Month means to them. This collective includes TAP participants, interns, staff, and social media followers.
We are proud to announce that this is the first of many digital artwork showcases to come!
Lady in Durag
Jameka C.
Artist Statement:
Lady In Durag was created to exhibit the versatility and multidimensional spirit of the black woman. To display her beauty and dispel the notion that femininity and/or masculinity resides in attire.
What does BHM mean to you?
Black History Month means a great deal to me , it’s a time to remember and celebrate black triumphs and excellence. Reflect and educate the youth on how far we’ve come and to discuss where we are going.
Black Woman with Afro
Imani F.
What does BHM mean to you?
It's an important month and shows how important black people are to this country. It's something that shouldn't be glossed over or forgotten.
The Statement of Black Hair
Zamiya J.
Artist Statement:
I wanted to portray the complexity, softness, magnificence and the power of Black hair all in one. I wanted to show Black hair in a way that seemed out of this world but also separate Black hair from its negative view in society by making the BEAUTY of Black hair the main focus of my artwork.
What does BHM mean to you?
Black History Month is a celebration of Black life, joy and jubilation. It is a way to bring light to our history of triumph while also reflecting on the oppression that has been imposed on us. Black History Month empowers black people to love ourselves, our bodies and our culture.
Valentine’s Day
Trisha P.
Artist Statement:
My artwork is Valentine theme for one of my favorite singers.
What does BHM mean to you?
Black History Month means to me that I can look back to see what my ancestors have done for society and learn more about my people.
Soul Food
Yazeed J.
Artist Statement:
I enjoy food that has roots from this part of earth
What does BHM mean to you?
Enriching culture and celebrating diversity of the Afro community.
Witch Girl Redux
Nailah D.
Artist Statement:
This art was a recent remake of an old school project I created in 2017. It makes me really happy to see how much I've grown and developed as a 3D artist.
What does BHM mean to you?
Black History Month to me, is the appreciation and uplifting of what black people have done for our culture and the world and what we will continue to do. It's more than just a month and is something that should be celebrated and recognized endlessly.
Blessed - A people of Divinity!
Karima S.
Artist Statement:
The joyful dances of rhythm guide me to express my self love and love for my people with majestic movement. As a visual and auditory poet I bring the melodic line and curve to life to hit the spirit on an angle the induces captivity.
What does BHM mean to you?
Blessed.
Black History is the story of glory of a people equal to divinity.
A group of beings so creative and blessed, brown beauty angels,
Sculpted with the highest of quality to match all their purity.
A group of beings rich with culture, skin silky smooth like Black
Scrap molasses whipped shea butter, divine! I rather be of no other
Essence. We a people blessed with being showered with love by
Big mamas’ presence. Here and now is where I find my peace, a glimpse
Of my brotha and sista, I see love staring back at me, a pure golden reflection
of the Goddess that leads. Blessed!
Karima BE.
Ahmaud Arbery
Meli H.
Artist Statement:
This digital illustration is of the late Ahmaud Arbery- a 25 year old Black man who was targeted and killed by three white men in Georgia on February 23, 2020. I made a digital portrait of Arbery's (high school) class photo using Autodesk Sketchbook. I drew the image to not only honor his life, but to show victims of racially motivated deaths in a positive light (as many of the images circled in the media of Black victims are of their dead bodies or footage of their murder).
What does BHM mean to you?
Black History Month is a way for myself to inform and also learn about the numerous contributions that Black people worldwide have made to society. It is a way for Black people in the U.S. to learn about the many 'hidden figures' not talked about is schools or the media. It is also a way for us to celebrate our culture(s) in various industries and connect those of the African Diaspora with each other.