Beautiful Uprising.

BEAUTIFUL UPRISING.

LATOYA HOBBS, PRINTMAKER & PAINTER, PURDUE UNIVERSITY (ALUMNI).

My work examines the intersection between race, beauty and identity concerning women of African descent with relation to hair texture, skin complexion and body image. In the following nude mixed media portrait paintings from my Beautiful Uprising series I highlight the body as it is the site that houses all of the external and internal attributes that constitute one’s sense of identity. In the hope that I can re- examine the traditional artist-model-viewer relationship. I interviewed the models for these pieces to grasp their thoughts on beauty, how they see themselves in the dialog about the Black Female Body, and how they view themselves as a “work of art”. Their statements were then used as text in the works and as titles. In this way these women are represented mind and body.

“A more nuanced perspective….” Ink, Acrylic, and Collage on Wood Panel 8’ X 4’. 2012.

“Everyone is still shocked….impressed too” Ink, Acrylic, text, and carving on wood panel 4’ X 6’. 2012.

“What audacity I must have….” Ink, Acrylic, Collage, and Carving on Wood Panel. 8’ X 4’. 2012.

“My fears disintegrated into nothing” Ink, Acrylic, Collaged Woodcut, Text, and Carving on Wood Panel. 8’ X 4’. 2013.

“My hair was the least of my worries….” Ink, Acrylic, text, and carving on wood panel 4’ X 6’. 2012.