BOSOM:Black HERitage

January 31, 2018 photography Comments (0)

B O S O M

// Clara Kent, Tyra Jamison, Tresa Murphy-Green
// @iamclarakent, @mantiswrites, @deejay.aesthetics

photo & styling // Khadijat Yussuff

BOSOM is a boudoir triptych created in 2018 to kick off Black History Month on Instagram, highlighting the perspectives of three female Pittsburgh artist/activists in light of the history and words of three revolutionary predecessors. This, and future works like it, is born out of a need to not only give due platform to some of the most overlooked creative and political contributors in our society, but also to use historical context as a tool for the effective organization of the American Black community.

“Art is only important to the extent that it aids in the liberation of our people.” Elizabeth Catlett, 1915-2012

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Musician, painter, & activist Clara Kent on leaving a legacy: “Passing on the ability to inspire my people to manifest dreams, remove restrictions, and limitations through artistry. To instead create safe spaces and boundaries for strengthening ourselves and our community. To look at our abilities with gratitude, with honor, and having creative control. For Black Women, Indigenous women, to be liberated from the restraints we have on our minds and to let our hearts speak. That’s what I wish to leave when I transition. I wish to have my people know that enlightenment isn’t obtained, you have it. That love isn’t outside, you have that. That beauty isn’t defined, it’s yours to see. I want to leave my truth with my people.”

“If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities.” – Maya Angelou (The Heart of a Woman), 1928-2014
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Writer & activist Tyra Jamison on ability and the intersection of art & activism: “Art and activism intersect because both require you to create space with intent…activism holds the intent of centering marginalized people, while art simply holds the intent of expressing something…you’re a thousand times more qualified than they’ll ever say you are. It’s more than possible to balance out your humanity and divinity.”

“There are no new ideas. There are only new ways of making them felt.” – Audre Lorde, 1934-1992

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Designer and activist Tresa Murphy-Green, when asked about the purpose of art in activism, felt “at their core, both are intertwined and codependent. [They] know for a fact that activism needs art, because to reflect the voices and/or needs of the people it cant happen solely through marches, rallies, protests, sometimes a doodle can get the point across better than a bullhorn.”

khadijat.