COMPLEXION, explores the history of the Black American experience inspired by 1950s editions of The AFRO American JET magazine. The digitally archived then physically manipulated series confronts foundations and outcomes of colorism perpetuated within the history of media and throughout many cultures of color around the globe.
At the inception of the American Dream, once introduced to people of color in the 1950’s, Black America was misrepresented as a whole by the imagery the magazine produced. Unlike today’s Jet Magazine filled with wealthy black celebrities of various skin tones, in the 1950’s they printed much fairer skinned women of color dawned with European inspired hairstyles and created a complex relationship between what was acceptable and the reality of Black America.
An ongoing, exploratory series of found, handed down, hand made artifacts and photography gathered in a Cabinet of Curiosity addressing identity. These works reflect memory, life cycles, and recognition of the Pan African Diaspora. This series was created as an avenue for retention of culture supported by historical portraiture.
