Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna Noble.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Art has very seldom represented black people, and has been very seldom been represented by black people. This is the same for women and other people of color. Throughout my years of school, I was shown the same few artists that I could reference. This lack of representation made it difficult for me at first, but it taught me the importance of research. This led me to be able to find a way to create art in my own style, make it powerful, and make it known who it is by and who it is for. I needed to be able to find myself in art and make sure it can last so others can find themselves too.
Please tell us about your art.
I create oil paintings that critique current societal standards of women. The focus is on how it impacts the community of women of color. This occurs by depicting me, often in the nude to take away my sexuality and leave the viewer with only the context of the situation. Text is used within the paintings to create a dialogue with the viewer to make the content a conversation. Questions I have for myself and those that impose their views upon me become up to the viewer to answer. I do this by confronting beauty standards concerning race to how I chose to perform womanhood. I hope that bringing these paintings to be like an open diary, they become ordinary and easier topics to speak about.
Just as much as my work exposes the triumphs we have to overcome to be seen as worthy in our society, they are about the power that women of color hold just by being. I am so inspired by the women in my family; the women that help build my community, and the women who have given so much to mold history. It is my duty to express my gratitude for them. Being a woman is such an important task, that I work to show the intricacy of beauty they possess.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
I agree, it can be a pretty lonely path. I know it deters people because it seems like the only outlet is through your art. I find it very enabling to stay lonely, too. I am pretty reserved and like to stay in. Being an artist gives me an excuse to do it even more often. What every artist should tap into is their limits. How much they can stand either being around others, or being in solitude. It can be unhealthy to stay in a place that’s comfortable for too long. I know it can also be overwhelming to be around crowds of people. I think a way to connect to meet people who are in the same boat is honestly, through social media. Follow others who are in the same circle, go to their shows, meet other artist, or even share your experience online. It’s such an open and welcoming platform, it’s impossible to not find similar people.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work is currently on view at the Eye Lounge in downtown Phoenix in a solo show titled “Just Checking In” until September 9th. Then again on the weekend of September 14th-16th in a group show called “#WIP”. I am a new member so I will be showing in a few more shows, but until then, my art can be found on my website at briannanoble.com or by following my Instagram page @brianna.noble.
Contact Info:
- Website: briannanoble.com
- Email: bnoblepaints@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianna.noble/
Image Credit:
Brianna Noble
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