Ahmrii Johnson
Self-Analysis
Last semester I explored the distinct history of various artists residing in the New York area. Through the exploration and focus of certain individuals I was able to create new work with inspiration from established innovators in the local community. One of the main artists that I focused my research on was multimedia artist Carrie Mae Weems. As a black female artist in America, Weems served as a cultural icon and visionary because, she was able to express similar concepts and challenges that have influenced my development as an artist as well. I began my investigation of Weems by thrifting through digital and physical resources. Categorizing the material by textbook, magazine articles, video, and exhibition brochures allowed for me to accurately cite information and present in a way that establishes certain perspectives by particular media sources. In addition, I searched a list of autobiographies and interviews to incorporate a timeline of her life with the events of her successful career. Not only did I use traditional media to explore Weems’ timeline, I contacted the Jack Shainman Gallery, which represents her work, to utilize a closer form of reference. If I were to revisit this research project I would have made the initiative to physically visit the gallery, or exhibits, that held her work in person. I also would have attempted to directly contact and interview Carrie Mae Weems myself so that I could receive the exact information that I was looking for instead of relying on the perspective of different news sources.
