Joy Lalita Wade

Region: Midwest

Website: http://www.joylalitawadesil.com

 I am an illustrator by profession and an artist by heart.

My mixed media paintings explore both Blackness and womanhood. Acknowledging the number of stigmas attached to each classification, I hope that my paintings will serve as a contrast to existing stereotypes by promoting their true essence, beauty, happiness, and inclusion.

I think it’s important to document our personal history, which often includes moments of poverty, prejudice, segregation, and struggle; but I also want my portraits to provide relief from those negative experiences. As Black people, we have traditionally been bombarded with images of ourselves amid intense suffering. So, my work should be a counterpoint to that to offer moments where we see ourselves uplifted and are shown with love, with care, and with the reverence that we deserve.