Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadia Meadows.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a sculptor/installation artist from Durham, North Carolina, I received my Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2020.
When I create a Sculpture or complete an Installation, it is to make a statement. I want to make an impact on everyone who sees the work. No matter what their cultural background is, the viewer can take something away from the art. I also create art for people who do not necessarily get a chance to view in gallery settings. Art that can be seen in front of office buildings and entryways in public parks. I make art for the average person, anyone walking by can enjoy the art.
I usually start with an idea and then use symbolic materials to create the finished work. I use different methods such as burning, bending, braiding, gluing, welding and cutting in my process. I use what I call finishing material such as sanding, painting and assembling parts together in order to create the final sculpture.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This work is challenging in that it is meant to be walked on in a gallery setting. The ability to touch the art in the gallery is taboo. This was a challenge I was willing to take on in order to bring attention to the topics. Each panel takes 8 to 9 hours to create, taking the time to make them was quite challenging. This project also has a high material cost with the average bag of hair being around 11$ and each panel taking 6 to 8 bags of hair. Getting funding for this project was very challenging. I did receive a Grant from the ASC (Arts & Science Council). This has helped so much with the first few panels that I created. As well, I currently work three jobs to afford the project and my art in general. Being passionate about my art and the message it is telling gets me through all these obstacles. I know that talking about how we are all going through similar frustrations will bring us as a culture closer together but also it’s a way of teaching. Teaching to those who are unaware of some of the hair struggles African Americans go through.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Subtle Oppression is composed of natural braiding hair and twists, mounted on felt, and bonded with black glue. Each panel consists of a unique symbol that represents African American culture. This work of art is inspired by frustrations I’ve experienced when confronted about my hair texture and choice of styles. The piece is meant for you to experience those same feelings as just that, subtle. Underground Railroad patterns, such as the “Shoofly’ and the “Crossroad”, were styled into women’s hair and served as hidden gems for safety and refuge. I created other symbols such as a ‘suit coat’ and ‘house, as it relates to the present-day crisis of socioeconomic disadvantages amongst African Americans. Whether it is my speech or my hair, it is my heritage; neither of which can be changed. The panels are placed at the front of the gallery because I want to force the viewer to have an opinion about the symbols and walking across them is to undeniably participate in a subtle oppression.
This project allows me to express many different topics that go under the radar that are frustrating in African American culture. By putting these works on the floor it also allows me to celebrate and bring to the forefront the beauty and detail of our hair.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I studied abroad to Senegal west Africa and to Wroclaw Poland.
Pricing:
- 1,500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nadiameadows.com/
- Instagram: @art_bynadiameadows
