I know what it feels like to be different, to not look like the person next to you...it’s important for students to feel seen. I want them to see themselves, to be reflected on the wall, and know they belong.
When artist Clara Nartey learned about the importance of diversity at ɫƵ, she immediately wanted to exhibit her work at the school.
“Traditional media, until recently, has not always presented Black people in a way that is complimentary,” Nartey said. “I want to portray people the way that I see them, to show that I value them and think they are worthy.”
The Ghana-born artist currently lives in Connecticut where she creates art using thread, digital painting, machine embroidery, and quilting to make bold and colorful textures.
Nartey’s solo exhibit, “Fabric of Identity,” will be on display in the Wallace L. Anderson Gallery and on the second floor of the Maxwell Library Aug. 21 through Oct. 21.
When researching artists to bring to ɫƵ, Jay Block, associate director of collections and exhibits, said Nartey’s work caught his attention.
“I look for work that highlights the possibilities of what art can be, beyond the expected paint and sculpture,” he said. “I want to show work that demonstrates artistic excellence in the handling of the chosen material and reflects an original vision about the artist’s concerns.”
Nartey’s use of fabrics and oblique images particularly stood out to Block.
“Her portraits are bright, bold, and show the individuals as powerful,” he said. “My thought was they would speak to our campus community.”
One of the more recognizable aspects of Nartey’s work is the focus on the hairstyles of Black women. Upon moving to the United States, she herself struggled with how to wear her hair.
“In West Africa, women have very intricate and elaborate hairstyles,” she said. “But I soon learned that those types of styles were frowned upon. Eventually, it became a decision between hiding my hair or embracing my identity. I decided to embrace it and wear my hair naturally.”
Learning to embrace one’s authentic self is the message she hopes to convey to those who view her work, especially students.
“I know what it feels like to be different, to not look like the person next to you...it’s important for students to feel seen,” Nartey said. “I want them to see themselves, to be reflected on the wall, and know they belong.”
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