Amuri Morris

Virginia Commonwealth University

Self-Portrait as a Grandma, 2019
charcoal on paper, 42 x 28 inches

Tell us about the work that you have submitted.
In Self-Portrait as a Grandma, I'm exploring the contrast between self-identity and social identity. The viewer sees this figure as a grandma and imposes their own connotations/identity with that. This identity could have sexist or ageist implications, and so on. However, this identity is a facade. Underneath this guise, my own self-identity remains intact. This piece explores the dissonance between the world that you know and what you mean as a symbol in public. This is often a lived reality for many groups such as African Americans, where, for example, people see race over the person.

What motivated you to apply to the AXA Art Prize?
I was motivated to apply to the AXA Art Prize so my work can be recognized outside of the classroom. Competitions like this require initiative, dedication, and a level of professionalism that is not necessary for amateur pursuits. Therefore, it is a learning tool for immersing myself in the professional art world. Through this experience, I am hoping to successfully further promote my talents so I can become successful in my field.

What themes regularly resurface in your work?
In my portraiture, I often focus on identity as a theme. This identity always forms to show the consistently powerful presence of the Black figure. I'm frequently looking at the dialectic between a history of aristocratic representation and the use of portraiture as a statement of power. In response to this, I elevate my figures to a level of high culture or power that is classically unavailable to them as Black females and males.