Okay, it's my time to talk. Of course, you took in your son, my son, our son, and you taught him what he needed to be a man...
What you did is no different from what mothers have been doing from the beginning of time. It's just too bad more brothers won't do the same, but don't think you're special. You may be cute, but not special.
-Angela Bassett as Reva, Boyz N the Hood
The inspiration for this artwork comes from a pivotal scene in "Boyz N the Hood," where the character Furious attempts to call out Reva about her perceived shortcomings as a mother. In response, Reva asserts that while Furious may be raising Tre, his actions are not exceptional.
In this piece, the skeletal head of a dinosaur serves as the crown, symbolizing power and formidable strength. The chicken bone, represented as an earring, signifies connections to our ancestors and spiritual guides. The collaged body illustrates the rightful societal status that Black women deserve, as they play a vital role in the strength, unity, and progress of their communities. Additionally, the juxtaposition of a young Black man's head on an infant's body represents the emergence of Black male leaders, highlighting the critical contributions of Black women through childbirth as well as their roles in activism, support, and leadership. This composition also underscores the notion that exceptional Black men owe their existence to the great Black women who nurture and empower them. Finally, the interlinked hands that connect the collaged bodies emphasize the essential and nurturing relationships necessary for effective community building.
Black women have embodied all these qualities since the beginning of time.
Artwork Title: From the Beginning
Medium: Digital Collage
© Tamiko Greene. Artworks cannot be reproduced and distributed without permission.
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