I started this project in the summer of 2020 with the intention of sharing the beauty of many different shades of Black, melanated bodies in such a beautiful environment as a fully grown sunflower field. I envisioned that it would showcase the pure joy that we could experience for ourselves when given carefree moments of exploration of our surroundings and nature.
“They are inherently beautiful in their own right, and have much within them that they can offer the world.”
I also believe there is a special connection between melanated bodies and nature, specifically sunflowers that grow and reach towards the light of the sun. Sunflowers can grow to immense size when given the resources and and environment to do so.
They are inherently beautiful in their own right, and have much within them that they can offer the world. It is for this reason that sunflowers are taken advantage of (consumed for their seeds, oil, pigmentation, etc).
What has followed is an amazing experience — for myself and others — who could come together in the midst of a global pandemic to create lasting moments and build new connections beyond a frame.
This has become an ongoing series, because I believe it has much more to offer, from visual exploration to cultivating community.
Look for #SunflowersNMelanin to open as an exhibition experience soon!