The Essence of Ebon

Ebon is an exploration of Blackness in its most raw and powerful form. The name itself—shortened from “ebony”—evokes the depth and richness of melanin, but also the strength, mystery, and complexity of the Black experience. This show is not about performance or perfection. It’s about presence.

The work dives into themes of identity, struggle, heritage, and pride. It’s rooted in truth—sometimes painful, always profound. Through shadows, texture, and tone, Ebon honors the multiplicity of what it means to be Black. It embraces the quiet strength, the generational echoes, and the everyday resistance that defines our communities.

Ebon doesn’t ask for validation—it stands as a reminder that we’ve always been enough. It’s a visual meditation on survival, softness, and sovereignty.

Artist Statement for "Ebon" Exhibit:
In the intimate narrative of 'Ebon,' I invite you to step into the cherished memories of my childhood, a journey encapsulating the intricate process of getting my hair done—an act, for a black child, unfolds as a profound exploration of identity, beauty, and self-acceptance.
This series is a testament to the emotional cycles embedded in the hours spent sitting on the floor, a narrative that oscillates between weariness and resilience, pain and joy. The extended periods of time, marked by the meticulous care of my hair, mirror the transformative journey of self-discovery and the nuanced relationship I cultivated with my own reflection.
The story told through 'Ebon' unfolds like a timeline, each image capturing a moment in my childhood. From the initial stages of weariness and impatience to the eventual emergence of a breathtakingly beautiful result, the series encapsulates the evolution of not just my hair but also my understanding of beauty and the acceptance of my unique identity.
The process of getting my hair done became a canvas where I navigated the complexities of beauty standards and societal expectations. 'Ebon' transcends the physical act of hair care; it is an exploration of the emotional landscape that accompanies the physical transformation—a journey that shaped my perception of self-worth and pride.
As each image unfolds, it echoes the resilience and strength cultivated during those hours of tending to my hair. The series is a visual testament to the beauty that emerges from the tireless dedication to self-care, an ode to the pain endured and the subsequent empowerment gained through this process.
'Ebon' is not just a documentation of a physical process; it is an intimate revelation of the emotional terrain navigated during my formative years. It is a celebration of the beauty that arises from embracing one's unique identity, a narrative that resonates with anyone who has embarked on the intricate journey of self-discovery through the lens of cultural identity and personal acceptance. Through 'Ebon,' I share my story, a story of beauty, resilience, and the profound embrace of one's roots.