Isabella Clark
she/they
Kenosha, WI, USA
My name is Isabella Clark and I am a Black queer artist from Kenosha, WI. I recently graduated with my BFA degree in metalsmithing and Japanese from UW-Whitewater, mentored under Teresa Faris. My work consists of mixed materials, fibers, and precious metals. Over the past few years I have been featured at the Mineral Point Gallery, as well as 3 juried shows. In 2023, I received a grant and certificate of excellence for my Undergraduate Research along with my BFA exhibition Topsy. When I’m not creating I enjoy chatting with my friends and tortoise named Pumpkin.
“My piece is part of a greater body of work that focuses on deconstructing racist Black stereotypes and recontextualizing them to understand how these stereotypes enabled the ongoing abuse and slaughter of Black people in America. These stereotypes warp ideas of womanhood and sexuality more specifically asexuality. As a black asexual person, I am often unseen or regarded as an impossibility. Topsy Fridgi and Topsy Bloom is a ‘Topsy Turvy’ doll that addresses the stereotypes placed on asexual people. Challenging the viewer to think about how their judgments may contribute to the cycle of hate while celebrating being asexual.”
How does your work relate to the theme transformation— How does the work translate joy into strength?
"My work is about deconstructing black stereotypes to show the intersectionality and diversity that make up asexual individuals. Those stereotypes are meant to keep us small and uphold white supremacy. However by breaking them down and understanding how they show themselves in the modern world we can make way to celebrate intersectional identities and individuals. As asexuals our very existence defies warped ideas of sexuality under the patriarchy and this piece is a representation of that continued resilience."
"Topsy Fridgi, Topsy Bloom",
Silver, copper, yarn, fabric, 17.5" x 16" w. petals, 2023
