In process and presentation, Tschabalala Self’s work explores the agency involved in myth creation and the psychological and emotional effects of projected fantasy. Self has sustained a practice wholly concerned with Black life and embodiment, with an intended audience from within that same community. In a flurry of stitches, Self assembles fully formed characters who, individually and situationally, hold power over their self-presentation and external perception. A power frequently denied to Black American people in their daily lives.
Sprewell
2020
Fabric, painted canvas, silk, jeans, painted newsprint, paper, stamp, thread, photo transfer and acrylic on canvas
213.5 x 183 x 4 cm / 84 x 72 x 1 1/2 in
© Tschabalala Self
Carpet
2020
Fabric, pigment, paper, acrylic and painted canvas on canvas
2 parts, each: 213.5 x 183 cm / 84 x 72 in
© Tschabalala Self
Lil Mama 2
2020
Fabric, craft paper, tulle, dyed canvas, acrylic on canvas
172.5 x 127 x 4 cm / 68 x 50 x 1 1/2 in
© Tschabalala Self
Spat
2019–2020
Acrylic, dyed canvas, paper, fabric, thread, lace, and painted canvas on canvas; 2 parts
Each 213.5 x 152.5 x 4 cm / 84 x 60 x 1 1/2 in
© Tschabalala Self
Fast Girl
2020
Fabric, thread, charmeuse, silk, velvet, paper, pigment, acrylic, and painted canvas
213.5 x 152.5 x 4 cm / 84 x 60 x 1 1/2 in
© Tschabalala Self
Nate the Snake
2020
Digital print on canvas, fabric, thread, stamped canvas, painted canvas, dyed canvas, acrylic and hand mixed pigments on canvas
213.5 x 152.5 x 4 cm / 84 x 60 x 1 1/2 in
© Tschabalala Self
Rainbow Bronze Deep Tone
2020
Painted bronze with optional carpet
175 x 122 x 59 cm / 68 7/8 x 48 x 23 1/4 in
Edition of 3 + 2 AP
© Tschabalala Self
Shorty 2
2020
House paint on plaster cast
99 x 78.5 x 51 cm / 39 x 31 x 20 in
© Tschabalala Self
Loveseat prototype 2 (Brown Hips)
2020
Plaster cast and house paint
91.5 x 96.5 x 45.5 cm / 36 x 38 x 18 in
© Tschabalala Self
Black Face with Brown Bob
2020
Colored pencil, acrylic paint, gouache, charcoal, graphite on archival inkjet print
Sheet 91.5 x 71 cm / 36 x 28 in
Frame 114.5 x 94.5 x 4 cm / 45 x 37 1/4 x 1 1/2 in
© Tschabalala Self
Black Face with Animated Face
2020
Colored pencil, acrylic paint, gouache, charcoal, graphite on archival inkjet print
Sheet 91.5 x 71 cm / 36 x 28 in
Frame 114.5 x 79.5 x 4 cm / 45 x 31 1/4 x 1 1/2 in
© Tschabalala Self
Black Face with Sweet Pink
2020
Colored pencil, acrylic paint, gouache, charcoal, graphite on archival inkjet print
Sheet 91.5 x 71 cm / 36 x 28 in
Frame 114.5 x 94.5 x 4 cm / 45 x 37 1/4 x 1 1/2 in
© Tschabalala Self
