‘Black Lives Matter’ 
Camisole de Force Series
Embellished Hand Sewn Straight Jacket
Jennifer Randall
2020
NFS

It’s hard to think that anything could be more important to write about than what is happening in our social climate today. I am moved to tears by the photos and videos from around the country and the world, publicly gathering together in solidarity for change.

These struggles that come to light in our social media and news are the very struggles that have existed since America began. Until we reconcile our oppressive history, moving forward will be a challenge. Art can be a catalyst for this very change. Art speaks truths, tells stories and visually presents ideas and events for the public. Art as activism uses creative energy with hopes to bring about social change. This very activism challenges power relations, in what ever form that may be.

Activism through art is well suited for contemporary times, from studio work, street art, photographs on cell phones, to protest signs at marches. Throughout history though, art and movements have merged to connect campaigns with aesthetics that are emotionally charged and deeply rooted. The creative and exploratory black artists of yesterday and today are most inspiring as they share their perspectives and stories through images that will challenge how we think things are. The exclusion of many artists from the corporate art world has been a cultural tragedy, keeping viewers from seeing powerful art and recognizing the accumulative story of our society.

I use current events frequently in my work and here is my latest in my Camisole de Force Series. This piece is an homage to the Black Lives Matter movement essential to our survival as humans. 

It is also an homage to two powerful artists I know April Bey and Kamela Eaton, who constantly show up to the world and teach through their art and lives.