We all have a right to define ourselves. But for Black youth that right to define ourselves is not a given one. Colorism, texturism, racism, homophobia, sexism, and so much more tell us stories of ourselves that hurt. The ideas circling around about what it means to be good enough, Black enough, pretty enough, dignified enough … and just simply enough cause stress and anxiety that affects their mental health and sense of identity. So what does it look like to powerfully (re)claim oneself as a practice of radical healing? This exhibition explores art as a medium for confronting harmful experiences, affirming your worth, and reclaiming your power. (RE)CLAMATION is a testimony to the artists’ determination to be well and to claim themselves as loved, worthy, and more than enough.

 About Our Curators & Artists
This is a youth curated exhibition by the Arts & Activism Apprentices at The Beautiful Project, a group of trained Black girls and nonbinary youth activists who use photography, visual arts, writing & care to explore cultural activism within their artistry. Under the art direction of Madylin Nixon-Taplet and curatorial direction of Khayla Deans, (RE)CLAMATION’s co-curators and featured artists are Avery Foster, Le’Isys Diaz, Vivian Njoroge, and Naomi Nelms. The Beautiful Project is a community-based arts organization in Durham, North Carolina that uses storytelling and visual arts to advance the healing and representational justice of Black girls, nonbinary youth, and women. This exhibition is made possible through the support of the Durham Arts Council and Tides Foundation. This exhibition is part of the Durham Arts Council Exhibit Program.