Isabella Clark
they/she
Kenosha, WI, USA
Isabella Clark is a black queer artist from Kenosha WI with a BFA degree from UW-Whitewater mentored under Teresa Faris. Their work consists of mixed materials and metal to create pieces that center around race, mental health, and intersectionality.
“My work focuses on the ever-continuing lineage of deconstructing racist Black stereotypes and recontextualizing them to understand how these stereotypes enabled the ongoing abuse and slaughter of Black people in America. Stereotypes such as Mammy or Jezebel warp ideas of womanhood and sexuality more specifically asexuality. My existence directly contradicts the harmful caricatures forced on Black feminine individuals. I have created topsy-turvy dolls to represent the paradoxes and double standards placed on those with intersecting identities. To further challenge existing bias.”
"Topsy Mammy/Jezabel", Mixed fibers, yarn, brass, copper, silver, 16"x 20", 2023
What does being queer mean to you in relation to your material choices? Is it something you consider?
“Being queer to me means not conforming to just one material or technique when there are an infinite amount of combinations to be explored. My favorite combination to work with is fibers mixed with metals. Both can take on different textures, rhythms, and emotions that have been passed down for generations while continuing to take on new shapes. Queerness is a celebration of differences and what better way to show it is through combining different materials."
"Topsy SBW/ Ghetitia", Mixed fibers, yarn, copper, brass, powdercoat, silver, 15" x 22", 2023
Is the work queer because the maker is queer, or is it queer because the subject matter is queer?
“Whether the piece itself addresses queerness or not, a queer artist provides the context of genuine queerness. The maker’s identity is embedded consciously or unconsciously in every piece they create due to their unique thoughts and experiences. For example, a heterosexual individual can only create queer art through the lens of heterosexuality. Even if the artwork is about queerness it is not queer because it lacks authenticity and takes away from actual queer voices."
"Topsy Bloom/ Fridgi", Mixed fibers, yarn, copper, fine silver, 17.5" x 16", 2023
Anything else you would like to share about this work? This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, or research.
“These pieces are part of a greater body of work to reclaim harmful imagery by transforming them and dismantling symbols of white cishet patriarchy into objects of empowerment that allow Black individuals to heal from generations of trauma. It is important to make sure we remember these images and prevent creating more stereotypes in the future. I have created topsy-turvy dolls to represent the paradoxes and double standards placed on those with intersecting identities. Historically these dolls were made by African American mothers and given to their children in preparation for a life dedicated to black and white babies. Sewn together with their ‘master’ family created feelings of inferiority and internalized racism. These mothers were forced to make impossible decisions where neither is the ‘right’ choice, however, one may lead to a greater likelihood of survival. Understanding how racism manifests in today's world we can reflect on how each of us contributes to the cycle of hate to create positive change. At the same time, paving the way to celebrate intersectional identities and individuals."
