Artist Statement:

From The beginning Black women were never expected to survive better yet thrive like VP Kamala Harris, and countless others. Historically we were unpaid laborers and units of commodity. We were stereo typed as “Mammies” and Jezebels. We were not considered beautiful. Black women often had to assimilate to be seen and heard. The assimilation process helped us as we navigated through institutional racism but, it didn’t help us overall. Today black women are the most educated group of people, the least paid, and our stories are unknown.

This exhibit is part of my healing process. A transformative process that helped me to take off a mask that provided an illusion of acceptance and happiness. The exhibit also provides a platform for black women to share their experiences and tell their stories about what they have gone through to survive and thrive in this world.

“MORE THAN ENOUGH” is a photography exhibition that is composed of portraits and recorded conversations that will be displayed using QR codes. The portraits are of black women over the age of 50. These images amplify the magnitude of strength, resilience, perseverance and beauty that Black women embody. The recorded conversations include personal recollections of institutional racism and the residue that has impacted us collectively. They will not only bring the images to life, but they are enlightening and heart wrenching. More importantly they aided in a healing process that brings about the realization that we are enough, MORE THAN ENOUGH!!

About Denise Allen:

Denise Allen is originally from Philadelphia and relocated to North Carolina a few years ago. Moving was part of her transformation from teacher to student of life. She went from being a commercial photographer to an art educator and back to a photographer again.

Not only did she pick her camera back up but she learned to look at life differently and be present. Denise photographs with the purpose of telling a story which includes capturing one’s inner beauty as well as their outer.

Denise’s specialty includes women over 40 years of age as she honors the aging process.

https://deniseallenphotography.com/

Curated by Denise Allen

Presented by the Durham Art Guild