Description
Broken Lineage is a reflection on the loss of history and identity that reverberates through my family and many others. Created on a stretched tarp, this work embodies the “box” that slavery imposed on Black identity, confining us to a monolithic narrative. Using rope, burlap, cotton, and reclaimed clothing, I piece together fragments of the lives erased by enslavement. The materials and earth-toned palette connect to the fields where enslaved Africans labored, their stories lost but their resilience enduring.
Inspired by conversations with my great aunt, whose memories only trace back to Virginia in the 1860s, I confront how deeply the wounds of slavery still affect us. This work calls for reclaiming our stories, with each texture honoring those before me. I hope it inspires others to search for the pieces of their own lineage, helping us all move closer to our roots.
