ARTIST STATEMENT
In my practice, I attempt to uncover the beauty that society often overlooks via my fascination with the intersection of death and rebirth. I consider what damaging societal constructs impact my role as a Haitian-American woman in the 21st century, perceiving my experiences with discrimination as acts that corrode my being. I don’t view death as final, thus I create illustrations of physically and spiritually changing forms. I believe when transitioning to the afterlife, physical and mental ailments are left with the earthly corpse finally granting the soul its freedom. I combine the complex topics of human nature and integrate my Haitian and Black American cultures to depict liberation, power, and resilience. In this work, I incorporate my memories of Caribbean food enjoyed while growing up and the relationship that I have with it now as an adult living in Chicago. Prefacing my creation of these works, I pushed myself to confront my intimidation of the kitchen and recreated various family recipes for the first time. I have used the process as a way to understand how my identity has evolved and the role that food has played in it. It has given me a much deeper appreciation for my culture and the power of a traditional meal.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Annikah is a 19-year-old artist based in Chicago, Illinois and Portland, Oregon currently attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). She practices painting and drawing and will be receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Critical Studies in 2026. Inspired by her immense study of critical theory and the colonial past, she aims to reinvent historical European art practices through a contemporary Black feminist lens whilst incorporating her complex Haitian-American culture. Going by the alias, IDOVIA, she pays tribute to her unique Caribbean heritage through her ancestral name. Annikah’s work has been featured at Jackson Junge Gallery, VirbrantCast Gallery, Gene Siskel Film Center, and Siragusa Gallery. She is a recipient of two Scholastic Art Awards.
© Annikah I. Godard