My name is R’riyon and I am an African-American, 15-year-old, visual artist.

 

The main focus of my work is to empower and encourage young, African-American women. I want people to see my work and be inspired to follow their dreams. Most of my creations tend to follow a common theme. I draw women, who are mostly African-American. I like to show that women of color can be strong and independent. Most of the time in the media, women of color are not depicted in this way. They show the stereotypical version of angry woman, with a lot of kids, and doesn’t have any manners. This makes it difficult for kids to have something or someone to look up too. My art is the outlet and the other side of the arts that are created about this community for other people.

 

Art is also my outlet. It’s my way of putting my thoughts, feelings, and emotions, into something tangible. Sometimes, the themes and subjects of my art may be controversial. I recently created a piece of three Black Lives Matter fists. It was for a school project, which consisted of painting objects with colors that represent something from your community. Creating that piece, was my form of protest. Art making is my voice and how I speak without words. The way to change the world is through questioning and speaking out. This is  way of making a difference. What’s yours?

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