ARTIST STATEMENT
Betty Davis was a trailblazing funk pioneer and a groundbreaking musician—one of the first Black women to fully write, arrange, and produce her own albums. In a world that often sought to confine both women and Black artists within rigid expectations, Davis stood as a visionary force, unapologetically defying both gender and genre conventions. She shattered boundaries with her raw, fearless sound and commanding presence, embodying total creative control long before it became common for women in the industry. An Afrofuturist long before the term gained prominence, her music was a bold declaration of autonomy, power, and liberation.
Her influence has reverberated across generations, inspiring contemporary artists like Janelle Monáe and Erykah Badu. Monáe once referred to Davis as “one of the godmothers of redefining how Black women in music can be viewed,” a testament to Davis’s lasting impact on how Black women assert themselves in the music industry. With her daring ‘Funk You!’ attitude, Davis didn’t just create music—she built a legacy of resistance, freedom, and empowerment. Her work paved the way for generations of artists who, like her, challenged societal norms and redefined what it means to be a woman of color in a world that too often tried to silence them.
I am in awe of bold, revolutionary Black women like Betty Davis, and my work is a tribute to their courage. Through my art, I aim to shine a light on their stories, celebrating the unapologetic, fearless spirit that continues to inspire and uplift generations.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Mandisa Smith, a lifelong Detroiter, masterfully employs the ancient art of wet felting to create exquisite wearable pieces, sculptural works, abstract art, and unique home accessories. This meticulous and labor-intensive technique results in one-of-a-kind creations that cannot be replicated. Often, Mandisa incorporates her eco-printed silk fabrics into her felted masterpieces and pushes artistic boundaries by integrating various found materials. Her work has been featured in prestigious venues both in Detroit and beyond, including The Scarab Club, Detroit Artists Market, Detroit Institute of Arts, Healdsburg Center for the Arts in California, and Fearless Artist Pop-Up in New York City. Notable solo exhibits include “Women I Love” at Norwest Gallery, curated by Asia Hamilton, and “The Art of Felting” at Wayne County Community College-Northwest Campus, curated by Sherry Washington. Mandisa’s passion for the arts was ignited in childhood, fueled by her father’s deep interest in art and intellect. She has since honed her felting skills through workshops with master fiber artists from around the world. As a former co-owner of Detroit fiber Works, Mandisa takes great pride in uplifting fellow Detroit artists. She is currently focused on launching her new studio, dye garden, and community art space, AKOMA Art House & Dye Garden, at Oakland Avenue Urban Farm in Detroit’s North End. Sustainability and honoring the earth’s resources are central to her work, where nothing is wasted.
© Mandisa Smith