CPS All-City Visual Arts Exhibitions

Teacher Name: Gabriel Mejia
Grade: 12

Materials: Procreate
Dimensions: 1668 x 2388px

Description: Blackness has never been and will never be a monolithic experience. Whether it’s through Cornrows, Box Braids, Dreadlocks, Weaves, Wigs, or a little fade on the side. Our hair has been equally as politicized as it has been deemed stylish. The most radical and sometimes controversial Black hairstyle in our history is – the Afro. Black people were encouraged to tame their manes as a way of appearing more ”Professional.” Women and little girls attempted to keep up the American beauty standard by straightening their hair through dangerous perms/relaxers. Men and little boys were always expected to be “Clean-cut” and shaven. Great length was considered to be a “Good American.” One that did not stick out too much. One that did exactly what they were told for the opportunity to have a better life. I wanted to honor the natural differently sized and textured hair of Black people. Whether it is short or large, colored or highlighted, 4a or 4c, your hair is an extension of you and your lineage.

Artist Statement: Race is a big part of anyone’s identity. As a person I’m African American and Crecole. I usually don’t tell people I’m Crecole mainly because of the confusion behind it. I tend to get asked questions like: What is that?Where are you from then?Where’s that? Telling people part of what I am is just easier and less of a conversation. I made these pieces as an interpretation of who I am and what I identify with. Shading light on the different types of Black people and the settings there. Digital Imaging and photography was what I used to create my type of art. The inspiration for these pieces was my environment, each art piece relating to me in a different way. I create most of my art on Procreate, I learn how to use it everyday. I have many different pens and brushes to play with. Photography is a different story, you have to be able to work with the shuttle speed, ISO and the aperture to get the type of picture you want. When I create new pieces I want to learn more about what I’m creating, gain a better understanding.