THE COLORISM PROJECT
Colorism: Looking Outside the Brown Paper Bag
Colorism: Looking Outside the Brown Paper Bag was an exhibition comprised of a series of portrait drawings and text installations on wooden panels, cardboard boxes, and brown paper bags. This exhibition confronted the viewer with the history and present-day practice of colorism among African American women, and the way in which they perceive the complexion lure and folk beliefs exemplified by the infamous "brown paper bag test." The combination of wall and floor installation work gave the viewer a chance to engage with the portraits and text that build up hard conversations and dialogs concerning race, skin color, and stereotypes about Black women in America today. The intent of this exhibition was to encourage people to question how we perceive women with darker skin hues and why we all buy into the notion of society’s definition of beauty.
Hair Identity
The Hair Identity series is a conceptual extension of the narrative of Black hair and how hair has been the root of identity for African American women.
Stop Putting Me In A Box
The Stop Putting Me In A Box series is in reference to how society attempts to force people to conform or adapt to fit in. This work is exploring how African American women are forced to conform to European beauty standards.
The Brown Paper Bag Test
The Brown Paper Bag Test series is in reference to the actual test that was given by African Americans to assess privilege by skin tone.