Artist Statement
As a black female artist, my photography confronts the premature adultification of young black girls in America. Through the intimate lens of black and white imagery, I spotlight their complex emotional journeys, often marred by societal demands to mature too soon. This portrait captures the silent resilience and the forced maturity they carry, juxtaposed with the innocence that should have been their right.
The stark contrasts in my work are deliberate, symbolizing the emotional landscapes these girls traverse—rich with unspoken stories, yet shadowed by experiences that age them beyond their years. My art advocates for their right to emotion, to the vulnerability and joy of youth, insisting on visibility and empathy for their struggles.
In presenting this narrative, I aim to empower and validate the emotional truths of these young individuals, challenging the viewer to honor their childhood and to confront the biases that rob them of it. My camera is my tool for change, demanding a reimagined future where their lives are fiercely protected and celebrated.