“The Heart’s Center” 2025
You Are Your First Home
A solo exhibition by Britney Symone
February 14-April 12, 2026
Semans Gallery at the Durham Arts Council
Show Openings: Friday, February 20 & March 20 from 6-8pm
My art journey began in childhood, well before I understood the purpose I’d find in it — one defined by catharsis, turning pain into beauty, and inviting people to see themselves reflected in my work. Through my intuitive multimedia art practice, I aim to honor the immense strength found in softness while directly challenging the stereotype of the infallible, stoic Black woman in America. I’m fascinated by the nature of duality and all the colorful areas in between, so I use art to explore nuance both in concept and in action. In doing so, I grow more in touch with myself through a playful creative practice which doesn’t shy away from embracing the multifaceted self.
By blending my career in graphic design with my passion for traditional artistry, I create vivid reflections of my experiences with a focus on mental and spiritual wellbeing. Whether it’s through digital artwork, thoughtful typographic design, photography, or luminous sculptural pieces, I engage in self-discovery and emotional vulnerability by revealing a piece of my inner world to the viewer. My process of designing, painting, framing, and embellishing digital art with beadwork and other media gives each piece unique physicality and intention. These intricate materials complement the delicate, eclectic, sometimes messy nature of self-reflection and
compassion. My inspiration is found in the vibrancy of Black diasporic cultures, nature’s serenity, spirituality’s depth, and the gift of emotional tenderness.
