My work should not necessarily be easily digestible, more appealing or stripped of identity. More than ever, I feel a responsibility to use my practice to explore and confront the often-unpalatable reality of Black life in America. While this represents a great part of my work, it does not represent all of my practice, however. This work helps to put my many strains of thought into perspective.
From producing sound installations and pieces of music to creating video and soundscapes, I’ve explored a range of artistic expression. With the addition of collaborating with filmmakers and performers, more than anything, a journey outside my comfort zone. The more I’ve learned, the more I am reassured by the potential of my practice. While I have no idea where this journey will take me, I do know, however, that the ideas that I have been exposed to will forever influence me.
A few years back, I was not particularly interested in politics or drawn to big social issues. American race relations of late, however, ushered in a world that seemingly shut the door on inclusion and meaningful social justice. I could no longer turn a blind eye. In light of this, much of my creative focus has centered around the flashpoints of American race relations, while trying to make sense of it through my work. These flashpoints have given me pause to think and motivation to create.
In producing this portfolio, there is the work, and then the work behind the work. Crawling outside my anxiety has been the biggest obstacle to overcome. The first two years in this program were spent trying to avoid being judged. This final year has meant that there were no hiding places and I had to finally confront my self-doubt. While still a work in progress, I have learned to collaborate with other artists, discuss and follow briefs where necessary. I’ve even plucked up the courage to upload my sonic pieces to be heard by the outside world and have an EP entitled Origin out on Café OTO under my alias Nexcyia.
