By: Aisha Harris
Source: Huffington Post
It is
quite often in society, when things are “supposed to be” or not. Not as often,
however, do people choose to act against that. In his documentary titled An Economy of Grace, Kehindle Wiley
depicts portraits of everyday, real-life women in scenes where they are not
“supposed to be”. Exploring through the streets of downtown Brooklyn, Wiley
finds African American women who “span a panoply of backgrounds and looks” (Harris,
1), including a prison worker, a skeptic tattoo extremist, and one enthusiastic
women agreeing to pose to increase representation of woman of color. Wiley,
using these women as his muses, represents them in quite a paradoxical sense;
one in which they would not see themselves as. The prison worker is depicted in
a custom made Givenchy gown. Yet the models themselves perceive a bit of
hopelessness in Wiley’s works. “Yeah, there’s a change, and then tomorrow, it’s
back to work” (Harris, 1) says the prison worker. The portraits are honest,
while at the same time not being real. And the women themselves are fully aware
of this. Everyone, rather, is aware, that the women in those portraits are not
“supposed” to be in those portraits. Yet all skepticism aside, a rather
unexplainable confusion is felt within the women as they view their portraits
for the first time and feel a sense, although temporary, of self satisfaction,
self worth, stillness. And Wiley’s inspiration does stem from this “lack of
visibility and desire to be seen” (Harris, 1).
Not much
is seen in life past what is visibly present; rather restricting, it seems. And
it often leads to people finding it difficult to perceive a different persona of
themselves, stuck in existence and failing to look past it. Yet what Wiley has
managed to do presents much needed impact with the slightest hint of confusion
and lack of understanding. Even if falling to convince the women of complete
self acceptance, Wiley’s works manage to evoke an unexpected sense of irony;
one that carries with it impact and curiosity. Whether skeptical or eager, the
women gain the opportunity of seeing themselves in quite a rare form; one in
which they are not “supposed” to be.
Prison worker in Givenchy.
Mariam, this is a pretty unconventional experiment in art. It is an imaginative and creative approach to solving a problem and casting a different light on racial stereotypes. It is a hopeful and inspirational endeavor and you represent it and your personal thoughts on the subject cleverly and creatively. Fantastic job and Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteThank you my dear. I LOVE the word fantastic, also. And how could I not include my personal thoughts? Who do you think I am?
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ReplyDeleteConformist artists can navigate themselves to the back of the line. Any piece of art that breaks the boundaries and pushes the limit should be considered a true masterpiece. Wiley gave these women the opportunity of a lifetime, and proved to us all that any one item or concept, including grace, can be found where it is not supposed to be. The prison worker says that this change was brief, however in this situation any change is better than no change at all.
ReplyDeleteChange is nice.
DeleteThank you; I appreciate your acknowledgement.
ReplyDeleteIt pleases me greatly when I see such profound examples of people going against the ignorance that is expected of them. After reading your post, I found that you and the artist, Kehindle Wiley, share a way of thinking- you both seem to naturally challenge the social standards of what is "supposed to be." As much meaning and emotion the artist has captured in his work, so have you with your writing. It is captivating and insightful. Superb job!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I do not appreciate you mentioning his name once again, however, as it makes me uncomfortable (though I do not know why; yet).
DeleteMariam, your writing skills never fail to amaze me. Your view of things and life overall is so deep and intriguing, that I never want to stop listening or reading. I agree with Arpi on the fact that you and the artist share that mindset of not following what is “supposed to be”, but rather what you think is right for you. That is something that I admire about you. Fantastic job once again (:
ReplyDeleteThank you I am flattered.
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