Tschabalala Self is a Black female artist renowned internationally for her portrayals of African American females. She uses recycled garments and discarded fabric to construct what she calls “assemblage” portraits. Self’s aim is to build new, more confident representations of the black body. She uses ink, paint, stitches, and recycled cloth to build quilt-like portraits. Her key aim is to “create alternative narratives around the black body.”
Today’s AT HOME ART DATE is an opportunity for you to look at your body in a new way. You will use whatever craft and fabric supplies you have on hand to create a confident new portrait of yourself.
(element one): LISTEN to a song that Tschabalala loved listening to as a girl when she would watch her older sister get ready to go out with her friends or on a date. I imagine, on some level, she associates this song with female confidence. Happily Ever After by Case
(element two): PHOTOGRAPH yourself in repose. Imagine yourself to be as confident in your body as you have ever been. Do this while listening to the Case song. You might want to use the timer on your phone’s camera app so you can get a photo of your full body.
(element three): BUILD a collage image of yourself from any craft items you have on hand on paper or wood or whatever surface you prefer. Please take it a step further by going to your closet and pulling out clothing you haven’t worn in 12 months and cut right into that, creating personal pieces for your “assemblage” portrait.
Well done, artist!
I hope you find Tschabalala Self & Your Body a compelling At Home Art Date.
I curate provocative art dates for you to enjoy solo or with others in your own home. Many of these art dates have online elements combined with supplemental reading, listening, and a variety of activities you can do at home to enhance how you express and experience art. Feel free to forward these art dates to others. Remember to check out the bonus material below.
These art dates are free of charge. However, they do take time, energy, and a lifetime of artistic experience to put together. If you’d like to buy me a cup of tea as a bit of thanks, I’d appreciate your generosity.
You can also learn more about my upcoming Artistic Clarity online courses, Gimme Culture and Creative Dice here on my website.
Yours,
Pattie
Bonus Material:
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