ARTIST STATEMENT
Guhumeka, 2022 translates to breath. Within every twist, braid and coil lies confusion and frustration. The Rwandese history, the generational teaching, and the modern world has made me who I am today. Being raised in the 21st century as a strongly emersed Christian within her culture and roots, has formed into something heavier, more confusing. Guhumeka, 2022 is a vulnerable piece, reflecting a personal place in my life, representing the pain that I’ve experienced because of confusion. The details and strands make up my life story, showcasing the guilt built up inside me that I have transformed into hope.
ARTWORK PROCESS
When making my artwork, Guhumeka, 2022, there was no structured plan but to create wearable art that reflect my emotions of the culture and religion in my life. With this art piece I let my hands lead me. I let my familiarity take control, embedding the braiding root, a clear statement of black culture that my mother taught me from a young age. The coils throughout the artwork, another familiar pattern and hand movement from weaving baskets in the Rwandese culture. I let my hands work on every part of the artwork until I felt satisfied with the outcome.
