Artist Statement

Text Me When You Get Home is a project centered around Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) individuals who struggle with their mental health and who have found a safe space they call their own. As I get older I have noticed the discourse around mental health and BIPOC has been on a rise but is still underlooked. I’ve heard and seen BIPOC be shut down when starting to open up about their mental health, either from scrolling online or comments from past friends. As a Black woman, I find it important that BIPOC are open and included in the conversation more often and frequently. Many of us struggle behind closed doors, can’t afford resources, or don’t have someone to reach out to. So where do they, you and me go?

For this project, I posted an open call online and each interested participant was sent a personal form to fill out. Participants told me more about themselves, how they are doing mentally, and why their safe space gives them comfort. Once being invited into their safe space, I used film photography, natural lighting and color gels to highlight each individual in their space–a place that they each go to get away from the claustrophobic world, to clear their mind and be unapologetically themselves. With this work the viewer is not only taken to the space of the subject where they feel the most comfort and ease, but are also transported into mine. 

You’ve been invited into my safe space–my favorite corner in my bedroom–which takes the shape of a fort. When you enter, you will be welcomed by a zine featuring all of the people who were photographed, personal poems written by me, quotes from the participants and resources on mental health. Here is your time to show up and listen to the voices that are often muted. Proceed with ease and an open mind.

Curated by Sanjé James and Dara Baldwin

Presented by the Durham Art Guild