When I was around 5 years old and living in Bromley, I would tell my family, “I want to be white.” A year before, we were living in Uganda, and I had no concept of race.
People love to ask me, “what does your name mean?” and I used to pretend my name meant Princess, when it actually meant “good” or “beautiful”. I didn’t feel beautiful, being good was a big ask, and I understood that I could get some respect by stealing a title! At 8, I understood class privilege.
I like that in this artwork, the model’s skin is jet black and her gaze is direct.
My understanding of self-worth is evolving, turning inward and that is why I’m sharing my artwork with you today.›