Alexandria Couch

The University of Akron

Artwork title: This Is Not Basquiat
acrylic on canvas | 48 x 36 inches

Tell us about the work that you have submitted.
This piece responds to my internal struggle, as a person of color, to piece together an identity in environments riddled with imposed expectations and notions from society. These notions extend as far as certain features being the primary identifier for a particular person or ethnic group.

How do you describe your work and practice?
I would define my work as constantly growing and evolving. The more experiences I have, the more my work changes, and this ranges from technical to conceptual ideas. I am an avid sketchbook keeper, and I find that often within the same sketchbook, I make wide jumps between pages.

What motivated you to apply to the AXA Art Prize?
I received a flyer at a printmaking conference and after researching the AXA Art Prize itself, I concluded that having the opportunity to have professional curators and artists review your work this early in an artistic career is irreplaceable. I thought, “Why not give it a shot?”

How has your school environment nurtured your practice?
The school I attend offers several unique learning and traveling opportunities that students are open to pay and compete for. I have also been lucky to travel with them twice out of the country for free, which were experiences that greatly affected the evolution of my work.

Instagram | @cosmocouch