Today we’re excited to introduce you to Flo Beauredon. Flo is an Artist (Awareness & Activist Painter) and is also a content partner. Content partners help Voyage in so many ways from spreading the word about the work that we do, sponsoring our mission and collaborating with us on content like this. Check out our conversation with Flo below.
Hi Flo, so great to have you join us again. For folks who might have missed our earlier conversations, can you please take a minute to briefly introduce yourself?
My name is Flo Beauredon, French-American artist living in Atlanta. I’ve been here since 15 years so you can call me a “French Peach” now! Atlanta was on the map of my destiny as my entire life, since early childhood, has been guided by the Light and Spirit of People of Color (my story is revealed in my book “A Soul’s Second Chance”). I have dedicated my entire artwork collection and creations to Black art: from the Beauty, the hidden history, the resilience and resistance to oppression, and the awakening of their Excellence. I paint literally from the Soul and whoever likes my art is also listening to their soul…
Why do you paint so many black women?
The Black woman is the Origin of all women. All DNA on this planet comes from Africa and she is our Mother. In America, she has been the most (and sadly still is) disrespected, disregarded and suppressed woman. Her power and light are so bright that it was clearly recognized by the oppressor who made it a mission to destroy her mind in order to control an entire people (“The making of a Slave” by William Lynch). I am using my paint brushes to work on this de-programing, showing all Black women how amazingly NATURALLY beautiful they are, how much shine and light they hold inside, creating pieces that, hopefully, will guide them to fully and confidently embrace their beauty and power! In my eyes, she is the most beautiful creature on planet earth, and these are my “soul-artist-eyes” speaking!
You call your art “activist,” can you explain what you mean by that?
Among my collection, I create some “dark” pieces that are denunciating the oppression over Black people. These pieces are my voice. On a spiritual level, they are very hard to complete as they take my mind to dark places but they are necessary. Few examples are “Wings of Injustice” listing the 69 names of Black men and boys killed by the police in 2019 – “Jariya”: the oppression of the Black man through centuries (1700-1800-2000) – “UsSlavery”: the continuity of slavery in modern society… My art IS my activism, and until I cannot paint no more, that will be my voice to expose the truth…
Where would you like to see your art displayed?
In places where it would make sense and is received as a powerful and relevant message: African-American museums, Black owned businesses, etc.
Do you think your art can help people think?
At least, this is what I am trying to accomplish. My REAL reward is when I see someone becoming emotional looking at one of my pieces, especially when I share the story behind it. If I get people to think, then I have done my job!
Does your choice of themes raise any harsh criticism?
I am sure it does! Does it worry me? Absolutely not! However, I acknowledge that I can be questioned for painting only and solely Black characters and stories, as a (French) white woman. The last thing I want is taking the spot of a Black artist and they are SO many mega talented, not only in the US but all over the world! I am only doing what I’m doing because I am being guided to do so. Criticism can be a good thing: it means people pay attention to what you’re doing!
Out of famous figures that you have painted or are planning to paint, which one is your favorite?
Angela Davis! My ultimate idol! If I ever get the chance to sit down and have a conversation with her, I will probably pass out! This is on my bucket list so I can rest after that!
Thank you so much again for sharing all of this with us. Before we go, can you share with our readers how they can connect with you, learn more or show support?
My website is: https://flobeauredon.artspan.com/
Facebook Fan page: https://www.facebook.com/FloArtistinAtlanta
IG: https://www.instagram.com/armoured.flo/
Contact Info:
- Website: www.flobeauredon.artspan.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FloArtistinAtlanta
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florence-beauredon-78b33a18/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Eb7pAuVy1o
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.
com/Souls-Second-Chance- Florence-Beauredon/dp/ 1987435419
