ARTIST STATEMENT
The morning the presidential election results were announced, I broke down in tears with my mother, overwhelmed by a deep sense of betrayal from my country. Every emotion surged within me, impossible to contain. In an attempt to process the intensity, I turned to boxing that day. Boxing has become my catharsis, a way to channel my anger into movement. The practice has long been associated with masculinity, yet here, it becomes an act of subversion. Bitches Fight Back is a visual manifestation of feminine rage that challenges the expectation that women and femme bodies should be quiet, soft, and endlessly accommodating. Instead, it asserts rage as a force of power and resistance. Artmaking has become a vital tool for processing significant events in my life, providing a space for reflection and healing. While my creative process can often feel isolating, this solitude allows for deep introspection and transformation. Boxing has become a part of this practice—a physical expression of anger, a reclamation of aggression, a disruption of what is traditionally considered masculine. The title itself is an act of reclamation. “Bitch” is a word historically used to silence and shame women who are too loud, too difficult, too much. This work is for the women who have been told to calm down and be compliant. We are not submissive beings but bitches who fight back.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Nalani Sexton is a Chicago-based visual artist who works across photography, sculpture, and various other mediums. Through her intuitive and conceptual approach, she explores the interplay between past and present, often drawing from family archives to forge meaningful connections. In her practice, Nalani embraces the use of personas, dressing up as various characters to embody different aspects of her identity and experiences. This playful yet profound engagement allows her to explore themes of transformation and the complexities of navigating mental health, capturing not just her humanity but also the dynamic processes inherent in both self and creation. By embodying diverse personas, she challenges the boundaries of identity and encourages a dialogue about the multifaceted nature of self through her art. Nalani invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences and the shared journeys of resilience and renewal. Nalani is currently studying art education at UIC, gearing her teaching practice towards a dynamic and individualized process of human development influenced by both healthy and challenging experiences that impact students’ social, emotional, and academic lives.
© Nalani Sexton