Trials of Blackness | Ashly Sypherd
Destined, 2020
Where does your will reside?
Curated by Safiyah Maurice
Exhibition: December 5th, 2020 – March 2021
Virtual Reception: December 5, 2020 from 6:30 – 7:30pm
Show Statement
Littman & White Gallery is proud to present the virtual art exhibition, "Trials of Blackness," featuring artist, Ashly Sypherd. By exemplifying the challenges to situate and recognize their own works as a black creative growing up in a predominantly white suburban area, the artist explores defining themselves, their life, and their expression of their own personal - which is undoubtedly political, through preconceived notions of Blackness, euro-centrism, and self limitation and urges the viewers to find themselves in the pieces of the show.
Artist Statement - Ashly Sypherd
“Growing up in a predominantly white suburban area, it has always been a struggle to situate and recognize my works. These works exemplify this challenge. This is my life; my expression of my personal which in turn is undoubtedly political. Always working outside of the boxes I am placed within and without. Within these preconceived notions of Blackness, within the eurocentrism, within self limitation. These pieces work to not rely on what is "good" nor "bad". I define myself. I define what is "good". I define my life. I urge you all to find yourself in these works. This has never been solely for myself, this is for my community. For those like myself trying to find a place in this world. Feel everything that surfaces and find joy in it.”
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