Statement
Through the utilization of magazine clippings, newspaper, and fabric I am recontextualizing found materials to confront how the African American man and woman is represented and perceived in society. In these works, I present individuals juxtaposed with contrasting hair, facial features, body parts, environments, and clothing. My collages ascribe to the multifaceted African diaspora by visually depicting cultural appropriation, race, police brutality, stereotypes, identity, and the idealized standards of beauty placed upon women of color. The act of cutting and manipulating allows me to have control to tell our story by expressing the oppressive nature and historical narratives associated with the black community. The representation of individuals of color has been polluted for centuries with discriminatory imagery. I challenge those reactionary views and ideals with my contemporary collages. The black experience is permeated with unparalleled allure, struggle, solidarity, and culture which I explore through my creative practice.
Bio
Bria Sterling-Wilson is a photographer and collage artist from Baltimore, Maryland. She received her BFA in Photography and Digital Arts from Towson University. Sterling-Wilson is profound in expressing the beauty and complexities of the African American community. Sterling-Wilson has exhibited in Brooklyn, New York, Los Angles, California, Rehoboth, Delaware, and Baltimore, Maryland. Sterling-Wilson was awarded Young Artist recipient for the Trawick Prize Exhibition in 2020 and received 1st place in the 6th Rehoboth Art League Regional Juried Photography Exhibition in 202
What continues to motivate you to create your work?
Passion and ambition are what motivates me to create. My art is my passion and without it I feel like something is missing.
Who or what influences your practice?
My culture has a significant influence on my practice. The work I create revolves around the black experience and the culture from which I was born and raised. Furthermore, my mother and my grandmother are major influences for my work as well. I was raised by two intelligent and beautiful black women. In my more recent collage works, I focus on creating spaces that accentuate dominant black women in luxurious environments.
How would you describe the mood of your work?
The mood of my work is powerful, striking, and I would also say nostalgic. I use many vintage Ebony, Playboy, and Jet magazines so there is a very classic feel to certain pieces. My collages enthrall viewers through the mood that they exude.
What do you feel is the most challenging part of being an artist?
The most challenging part of being an artist is doubt. When I was younger, I would express to my friends and family that I wanted to be an artist and there was always a negative connotation associated with it. I was told art is just a hobby or that I will not be financially stable. Hence, the “starving artist” phrase. However, I work very hard and I know in my heart that this is what I am meant to be. I try to not ever let those thoughts of doubt take over for long.
Tell us about something from your creative life that you are particularly proud of.
I am proud of the progression of my creative practice. My work continues to amaze me and I look forward to what I will create in years to come.
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