Eye See U

"Eye See U" is a striking addition to a series of portraits created by the artist using StyleGAN, a tool trained on Black beauty editorials. The series, titled “Eye See U,” grapples with the complexities of Blackness, darkness, and their relationship to visibility and invisibility in society.

In this artwork, a figure is shrouded in darkness, but instead of obscuring, the darkness accentuates and embraces the ebony tones of the figure. It's not just about admiring the dark; it challenges the associations between Blackness and darkness, historically linked to threat and negativity.

The artist confronts these stereotypes, offering a different narrative through these curated images. "Eye See U" dismantles misconceptions, celebrating the multifaceted richness of Black identity. It defies the imposed notion that darkness symbolizes fear, instead showcasing the diverse beauty inherent in Black identities.

Through technology, the artist reclaims the narrative surrounding Blackness and darkness, presenting a perspective that honors the diversity and beauty of Black identities. "Eye See U" stands as a powerful testament to resilience and the reclamation of identity in societal perceptions.

“To me, this darkness does not necessarily erase or obscure, but rather caresses, fills in the creases, and lovingly embraces the ebony-rich figure. Yet this portrait not only expresses my affection for the dark, I believe it also captures the unquestioned ways in which Blackness and darkness go hand in hand in the public imagination.”