ARTIST STATEMENT
My work implores the viewer to reconcile the history of violence and subjugation woven into American land politics with reference to ongoing current events. The color red, a recurring element in my work, underscores the tension between place, identity, and historical reckoning. “This Is My Country” overlays a sorrowful woman on a partially burned patriotic hymn; behind her, the barely visible Statue of Liberty and red smoke and flames. The Haitian sigil of Ogoun—Yoruba deity of war, truth, and justice—contrasts with the hymn, challenging the myth of national belonging. Through my work, I question how land, memory, and belonging intersect, particularly for those whose histories have been forcibly reshaped by colonialism, migration, and displacement. My practice is inspired by Audre Lorde’s essays on the uses of anger and the erotic, as well as the rhythmic qualities outlined by the Chicago collective AfriCOBRA during the Black Arts Movement. Incorporating collage elements and found materials, I engage in a layered approach to create artworks that highlight Black narratives.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Ahmari Benton is an interdisciplinary artist and the Associate Educator of Teen Programs at the Milwaukee Art Museum, weaving together her passion for art and commitment to dismantling barriers within the museum space. Her advocacy centers around demystifying museums through inclusive models of care, ensuring equitable and innovative opportunities for historically underrepresented audiences. An active member of the National Art Education Association, Ahmari seamlessly integrates her art practice with teaching, creating a reciprocal relationship. She earned her BFA in fashion design and painting from Howard University. During her undergraduate years she participated in internships at the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Phillips Collection. She was the third Nancy Elizabeth Prophet Fellow at the RISD Museum.
© Ahmari Benton