Venise Keys

The visual aesthetics and rituals of my studio practice explore personal intersections of race, gender, sexuality, age, and class. I use painting, drawing, craftwork, paper cutting, and found objects to explore art history, popular culture, and my childhood memories. Common themes in my artwork are queerness, generational trauma, the Black Arts Movement, intersectionality, Black feminist theory, rootwork spirituality, identity politics, and empowerment.

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© Venise Keys

1. Eye am Oshun (2021). Acrylic paint, rhinestones, assorted sequins, acrylic beads, cowrie shells on wood panel; 18 x 24 in.

2. Womyn of color be unapologetic in all your glory. Hand-cut assorted papers; site specific installation.

3. Womyn of color be unapologetic in all your glory (detail). Hand-cut assorted papers; 7 x 7 in.

4. Pass the CROWN Act in all state or we are repeating the Tignon Laws of 1785 (2020). Acrylic paint on canvas; 12 x 12 in.

5. In healing the root chakra, you must deal with childhood self (2020). Assorted textiles, wooden beads, acrylic beads, assorted sequins, buttons, thread, applique, stuffing.

6. Break Generational Trauma. Pen on paper; 12 x 9 in.