Aqueene Wilson

socio-social, Body, photographs, Diaspora, Decolonization, Community, Artistic research

Aqueene Wilson is a multidisciplinary artist and Caribbean child. A self-taught photographer, she is artistically known for her culturally nurturing and photographic creations. With the human body as her most frequent subject and her background in dance, she is known for documenting the (colored) body through a fragile lens. By exploring relevant themes, her work questions the current climate, ultimately leading to communal healing, understanding and/or awareness. Despite the production of several series, all her work stems from the ideology of well-being. While continuing to represent Curaçao in most of her work, she purposefully strives to create safe spaces for people of color while changing the culture of wellbeing and inclusion. Since 2019 she has been researching the lack of black dancers in contemporary settings and is now actively trying to make room for the marginalized body.

Maternal Sanctuary - Maternal Sanctuary is one of the works of HUNTU (2018). HUNTU visualizes stills of togetherness among Black people. The series moves away from stereotypical and harmful representations of the Black community and can eventually positively contribute to the wellness of black people, because togetherness, care and love does exist in the Black community and it does so beautifully. The contemporary envisioning of Black folks holding space for each other and existing without struggle is an act of resistance in itself. Through the practice of holding and breathing, works as Maternal Sanctuary and Respirando Juntos hone in on intimate moments, where a mother holding her child and a couple closely breathing together, confirm the possibility of Black folks loving tenderly
Strength Centered - Strength Centered, HUNTU, 2018 HUNTU visualises stills of togetherness among Black people. The series moves away from stereotypical and harmful representations of the Black community and can eventually positively contribute to the wellness of black people, because togetherness, care and love does exist in the Black community and it does so beautifully. The contemporary envisioning of Black folks holding space for each other and existing without struggle is an act of resistance in itself. Huntu means “together” in Papiamentu, the local language of Curacao.
In the flesh - In the flesh (2019) is an inward perspective on the representation of the human being, as an extension of the fairly new emergence of digital activism.Through the use of hashtags we aim for social equality but that can only be reached when we recognize our similarities.These similarities are only met when we look inside of ourselves. This piece is made out of plastic bottles.
Tender Manifestations (2020)
STIMAKURPA collection - STIMAKURPA (2018 -now) is means love the body in Wilson's, Native language, papiamentu. It is a personal project that explores different concepts in relation to the body; May it be our capabilities or being uncomfortable in our skin. the project has grown into Wilson's trademark, as people can now book STIMAKURPA photoshoots for themselves as a gift of self-love.
MA_01 - A documentation of my mother (2021). " I am my mother's legacy. The prayer of my ancestors. I am the vessel of their dream. I may now be whole, as my presence is safe & and protected by generations of feminine manifestations. Sis, You may be whole too. Your presence has purpose".

Back in the Day is our Future

Date:
Location: Zuid-holland
In association with: Melkweg expo

Photo series 'HUNTU' is part of the group exhibition, 'Back in the day is our Future'. The exhibition amplifies Black voices showing resistance by celebrating the richness of Black culture and history. Thus, Wilson visualizes stills of black body togetherness. She does this in a gentle yet critical way.

https://www.melkweg.nl/nl/agenda/back-in-the-day-is-our-future-12-11-2021

Where are the black bodies dancing

Date:
Location: Kunstinstituut Melly
In association with: Droom en daad

WHERE ARE THE BLACK BODIES DANCING is a two-part online series that should be seen as an investigation that comes to life. Through a visual collection of conversations, performances and art, we question the current white landscape in contemporary dance, while actively creating space for black bodies.

https://www.kunstinstituutmelly.nl/nl/engage/79-where-are-the-black-bodies-dancing-episode-1-unfolding-racial-structures-in-dance
This artist has no awards yet.