black women being: the studies

You are witnessing a black woman taking her time to build something beautiful. 

This is a body of work that allows me to study black women in different spaces, moods, vibes and so much more. The work is inspired by artists like Carrie Mae Weems, writers like Toni Morrison and Filmmakers like Melina Matsoukas. I started creating this series in 2019 as homage to Beyonce’s visual album Lemonade. I time traveled with a team of black women and we drowned in the beauty being made. The short film/ photographs document a table being set, conversations and just two women fully being. 

Being for me means existing, the outside world is loud which can be suffocating so we need those moments of just being. 

This act is rooted in our natural movement and energy. 

We are art, We are a masterpiece, and We are forever evolving. 

Fast forward to 2022, I started studying four more black women. The process was simple, reached out to each woman, booked a space and told them to just exist. I put the camera on the tripod and watched these women give themselves permission to just be. Using photographs and videos I was able to study each woman, it was beautiful how they all connected with my lens in a different way. Editing the project was a labor of love because there was no fluff or over retouching, I literally just let the work lead me. 

Black women being is dedicated to my daughter because she needs to understand her power in just existing. 

Black women being is dedicated to you because I hope you feel seen and appreciated with this work. 

Black women Being will continue to grow and be a part of my legacy as an artist. 

Thank you for showing up, always in all ways. 

“The Sun will rise and set regardless. What we choose to do with the light while it's here is up to us. Journey wisely.” 

― Alexandra Elle

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