A Visual Ode to Black Southern Excellence

In collaboration with BSB Media LLC and Ngome Lifestyle, this collage series is a heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of Black Southern culture. Through a tapestry of textures, colors, and carefully curated imagery, each piece celebrates the rich heritage, resilience, and boundless spirit of Black individuals and families. Woven throughout these visual stories are the motifs of nature, Spring, herbs, teas, and ancestral homage, connecting the past, present, and future.

Artist Statement: A Visual Ode to Black Southern Excellence

Collage 1: Honoring Our Mothers

This inaugural piece is a nostalgic yet contemporary homage to motherhood. Inspired by Mother’s Day, it honors generations of style, family, and tradition. This collage intertwines vintage photographs with modern design elements, evoking a sense of timeless elegance and paying tribute to the matriarchs who have shaped our lives. It is a visual celebration of their unwavering love, strength, and sacrifice, acknowledging their role as the cornerstone of our communities.

* The imagery includes blooming Spring flowers, symbolizing renewal and the blossoming of potential passed down through generations.
* Subtle botanical illustrations of healing herbs used in traditional Black Southern remedies are layered in, representing the nurturing and restorative nature of mothers.
* Vintage tea sets and contemporary tea cups are juxtaposed, honoring the tradition of gathering and sharing wisdom over tea, a ritual that connects generations.

Collage 2: Celebrating Abundance and Joy

The second collage exudes the spirit of a “rich auntie” – a woman who lives life to the fullest, embraces travel and the finer things, and remains grounded in her roots. This piece speaks to the abundance and joy that comes from rising above adversity, pursuing one’s passions, and creating a life of intention. It celebrates the importance of community, family, and staying connected to what truly matters while experiencing the richness of life.

* Lush imagery of Spring landscapes and vibrant gardens symbolize the flourishing of life and the abundance that comes from nurturing one’s dreams.
* Golden hues and flowing fabrics evoke a sense of luxury and the “finer things,” while earthy textures and natural elements ground the composition, representing a connection to the earth and heritage.
* Delicate depictions of herbal infusions and exotic teas suggest a celebration of life’s pleasures and the importance of self-care and indulgence.

Collage 3: Honoring the Black Dandy

The third collage in the series pays tribute to the Black masculine dandy. It is an exploration of heritage, timeless style, and the art of living well. This piece celebrates Black men who embrace their individuality, honor tradition, and build a lasting legacy of taste, refinement, and community. It acknowledges their role as cultural icons and beacons of excellence.

* Imagery of cultivated gardens and the meticulous art of grooming reflect the dandy’s appreciation for nature’s beauty and refined aesthetics.
* Vintage maps and ancestral portraits are layered with contemporary fashion photography, illustrating the enduring influence of heritage on modern style.
* Subtle depictions of rare tea blends and herbal remedies hint at the dandy’s pursuit of knowledge, well-being, and a connection to the past.

The upcoming Met Gala 2025, theme Superfin: Tailoring Black Stgyle, offers a powerful opportunity to celebrate the rich heritage and enduring influence of Black Dandyism. This tradition, far from being solely about refined aesthetics, represents a profound history of self-determination and cultural expression, particularly flourishing in the 19th and early 20th centuries as Black men strategically used their attire to assert dignity and challenge societal oppression. Their meticulous style became a visual declaration of identity and resilience.

This artistic piece beautifully evokes this spirit through its layered imagery. The cultivated gardens and the art of grooming symbolize the dandy’s appreciation for beauty and meticulous self-presentation. The interweaving of vintage maps and ancestral portraits with contemporary fashion photography underscores the lasting impact of heritage on modern Black style, a seamless blend of tradition and innovation. The subtle nods to rare tea blends and herbal remedies suggest a deeper pursuit of knowledge, well-being, and a connection to ancestral wisdom.

The film ‘Sinners’ vividly brings this to life through Michael B. Jordan’s portrayal of twins, Smoke and Stack. His eloquent style, elevated tailoring, and vibrant authenticity directly mirror the essence of the Black Dandy – a knowing hat tip to European sartorial traditions infused with distinct African flair, brought to the screen through compelling dramatization, historical references, and powerful individual expression. Furthermore, the influence of Dandyism extends beyond menswear, inspiring figures like Janelle Monáe in their own unique expressions of style and identity. Groundbreaking works such as ‘Dandy Lion’ by Shantrell P. Lewis and Monica Miller’s ‘Slaves to Fashion’ provide essential historical context, showcasing the depth and significance of this cultural movement. The Met Gala 2025 stands as a vital platform to honor these cultural icons and their lasting legacy of taste, refinement, community, and their undeniable impact on the world of fashion and self-representation.”

Overall Theme

Unifying these three pieces is a powerful thread that honors Black traditions, contemporary themes, and the invaluable wisdom of our elders and ancestors. This series is a celebration of generational knowledge, cultural pride, and the enduring spirit of Black Southern excellence. Each collage is not just a visual work of art but a narrative that speaks to the heart and soul of our shared experience. The recurring motifs of nature, Spring, herbs, and teas serve as metaphors for growth, renewal, healing, and the enduring connection between generations. They root the series in the rich soil of Black Southern culture while celebrating its continuous evolution.

—Donellia L. Chives, Creative Director of Ngome Lifestyle