Theme: HBCU Experience and Pride
I struck creative inspiration from Jean-Michel Basquiat, Romare Bearden, and Robert Rauschenberg – three artists I learned about through my art classes at Albany State University (ASU). My creative process included scanning materials, painting, drawing, and photographing in the art studios at ASU.
My artwork is a digital collage that uses symbolism and repetition of color to narrate the piece from left to right. Starting from the left of the piece, the viewer will see many references made to African ancestry and heritage. These references are reflected through a forest silhouette, an African necklace and the Eye of Horus. The forest indicates life, origin and growth. The African necklace is representative of African ancestry. The Eye of Horus is an African symbol of royalty and power. Additionally, the piece uses the repetition of red, yellow, green, orange and black to depict the historic usage of color in African artwork. Essentially, my usage of symbolism and repetition of color was to emphasize the fact that these elements of African heritage and culture persists through HBCU life today.
Throughout the piece, the viewer will find multiple references made to HBCU sports, culture and academics. These references include a Black fist, basketball jersey, hair pick and graduation stole. The Black fist is a reference to social activism within the HBCU community. The jersey highlights the presence of sports in HBCU culture. The hair pick is a symbol about the importance of afro-textured hair. Lastly, the graduation stole is a symbol of accomplishment and excellence. Moreover, the graduation stole highlights the end of a student’s journey at an HBCU.
The focal point of the piece is the white face mask. It mainly represents the unprecedented hardships that COVID-19 has caused to students and faculty at HBCUs. The mask is intended to bring awareness to newfound and current problems for HBCUs, and represents the isolation associated with the experience of quarantine.
Overall, the collection of these elements conveys a story of how the past connects to the present. I wanted to showcase that our historic roots are still relevant in our everyday life at our HBCUs.
Woody LoftonYear/School: Senior/Albany State University Hometown: Albany, Georgia Instagrams: @woodylofton @corneagraphics |
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Bio:
I am Woody Lofton. I am an artist and photographer based in Albany, Georgia. Ever since I was a kid, I was always fascinated by art. I started out drawing sketches and painting but as I matured as an artist I noticed more. Art for me became more personal and expressive and I wanted to make a statement.
I found myself creating so much art that I decided that I would pursue an art career.I chose Albany State because I wanted to attend an HBCU and make an impact where I was from. I felt that Albany State University was a great place for me to learn more and become an even more impactful artist. Aside from drawing and painting, I found another art form that interested me while attending Albany State. I discovered photography. Photography has continued to be an integral part of my life and art at Albany State. I am thoroughly enjoying my time at Albany State.
The best thing about attending an HBCU is the experience. You will meet great, talented, versatile and knowledgeable people. I will be graduating soon from Albany State University. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in teaching art. I ultimately plan to attend graduate school to receive my master’s degree to become an art professor. As an artist, I want to build, grow, collaborate, and mentor other artists. With that being said, I’m not limiting myself to just teaching art. I have a versatile skillset that I will continue to improve and expand beyond teaching art.
On the HBCU Student Showcase:
As part of NBA All-Star 2021, seven students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) created artwork depicting their experiences as HBCU students. The students selected themes representing HBCU student athletes, dance lines, bands and school legacies as inspiration for their creations. They also drew a connection to the impact of COVID-19 on HBCUs through their work.
