SUMMER BROOKS

JULY 8 - 29, 2022

ARTIST STATEMENT

Media plays into colorism by primarily grandstanding lighter skinned women as more feminine and desirable while darker complexions are viewed as aggressive and unattractive. I want to create art celebrating the beauty of Black. I have not always appreciated myself and my history due to colorism and racism. Colorism and racism have not only been erasing my history, but it showcases what Black features are deemed “desirable.” Black is beautiful and should be presented as a spectrum, not a constraint. Pottery acts as a vessel to not only touch my roots but to inject my work into the canon of ceramics. Pots are decorated with Black woman loving themselves. Sculptures are rejoicing their beauty through being comfortable with their afros, locks, braids and dark skin. Figures also represent the struggle I had to face from people touching my hair without consent, to being told my skin is too dark. Although struggles are shown, figures heal from the hardships and grow into their beautiful selves. Red terracotta clay is not just used for its rich color but for its rich history. My ancestors walked on red clay roads in Africa and stepped off the boat to red clay. Touching and making with red clay connects back to my ancestors- empowering me to create work that isn’t trying to please a majority of people.

BIO

Summer Brooks completed an exhibition at the Contemporary Art Museum in St. Louis, The New Garden Variety. Her work has shown at Art Saint Louis and Albrecht Kemper Museum. Brooks is currently a resident in Kansas City, MO at Belger Yard Studios. She has received NCECA’s Multicultural Fellowship award.