Soulaan Femme

Soulaan Femme reimagines traditional portraiture by exploring the complex relationship between natural and performative expressions of Southern Black Femme identity, challenging both historical and contemporary representations of the Southern Black Woman.

Soulaan Femme explores the complex interplay between natural and performative expressions of Southern Black Femme identity through the medium of traditional portraiture. The work is rooted in a critical examination of historical and contemporary representations of Black female sexuality and body image, particularly within the context of the Deep South. This series reimagines Black Femme portraiture as a tool for reclamation, challenging the objectifying narratives that have long been imposed on Black women. By capturing the duality of natural expression and performative identity, the portraits seek to affirm the dignity, complexity, and autonomy of Southern Black Femme women. The project combines traditional portraiture, personal reflections, and critical analysis to dissect and present the multifaceted nature of Black femme identity. The portraits presented serve as a metaphorical mirror, highlighting both the inherent qualities and the consciously performed aspects of identity that Southern Black Femme women navigate daily. This exploration addresses key questions about the role of visual representation in constructing and expressing identity, as well as the impact of cultural and societal expectations on the formation of self.