True American

Artist Statement

True American examines the tensions of Black identity within the framework of American symbolism, history, and culture. The image—my friend Kourtnei, dressed in drag with the American flag draped behind him—holds both intimacy and confrontation. It is a portrait that celebrates self-expression, resilience, and the complex ways Black Americans navigate belonging in a nation that has often denied them full freedom. This work reflects on dualities: joy and struggle, visibility and erasure, vulnerability and strength. I aim to engage viewers in a dialogue about identity, patriotism, and the power of representation. The image blends tenderness and defiance, intimacy and critique, offering a space where Black expression is centered, celebrated and uncompromisingly human. Ultimately, this work asks: How do we see each other—and ourselves—in a country whose ideals often clash with lived realities?