The Emerging Artist Series

B.A.P. (Black And Proud)

A Solo Exhibition of Works by Courtney Saunders

Artist Statement

Throughout the past decades and especially in recent years, black experiences are recorded and replayed to the public. We are overloaded with images and videos of the black community being killed, over-policed, and mass incarcerated. All of which have been racially charged and entirely traumatic, as it seems like our suffering is the constant theme of our entire existence. Yes, we come from a place of suffering but there are so many beautiful things that we come from as well. I wanted to create these illustrations that no longer placed our sadness and anxieties on a pedestal nor centralizes suffering as the hallmark and identity of our experiences. It is only an aspect of the broader perspective of living life while black. Instead, I portrayed all the reasons why I am proud to be black. I decided to create something that highlighted an array of the beautiful complexities within black culture. B.A.P. (Black And Proud) is a project that is centered around blackness and what it means to be black and proud. Through various conversations that I have with friends, family and students, I addressed these questions, “How do you identify racially/ethnically? Are you proud to be black? What does being black and proud mean to you? ” Every illustration that is in this series is inspired by each participant’s response.

Courtney Saunders is a graphic designer, illustrator and creative/art director who is passionate in typography, illustration, editorial design and advertising. She loves what she does because it gives her an outlet to express herself with vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. She welcomes challenges and lives by the expression — if you don’t believe in yourself then who will. Courtney is driven by intentional design, which means creating with originality and purpose. Other ways Courtney expresses herself is in trying new things, creating lasting memories, eating tasty foods and going on epic adventures!