In Focus: Representation of Black Womanhood from February 8, 2021 to March 27, 2021 at The Stamp Gallery | University of Maryland, College Park | Written by Mollie Goldman

Amidst the many colorful artworks visible when entering the gallery, Akea Brionne Brown’s large black-and-white photographs contrast with a stark intensity that entices viewers. Three of her photographs are distributed across the long gallery wall, each with its own uniquely enchanting effect that simultaneously complements the other two photographs. 

This series of images is called An Archive of Our Own (2019). According to Brown’s website, this series serves to explore “black maternal relationships through the creation of an archive.” In one of the images, Brown depicts a daughter, mother, and grandmother standing in line and looking at the camera. The daughter has her arm bent and her hand gently holds the elbow and forearm of her mother. The mother then extends her arm in the same way to hold the forearm of her own mother. Perhaps there are numerous interpretations for their pose. To me, however, this pose, along with the title of the series, communicates the effort it takes to support and carry on a lineage. Each daughter supports her mother, and in turn supports her mother’s mother in a seemingly endless cycle. This shows that it takes work from every individual to carry and transmit the stories of their family’s history, as well as to maintain a relationship with them.  

Referring back to the photographic medium for this series further contextualizes Brown’s potential message. Brown uses a “historic tin-type process” because it is “used to display the lack of depth within the medium to correctly expose for darker skin tones.” She uses this technique to simultaneously critique as well as explore the medium itself. The photographs reflect historical racial and social structures and how those affect black women specifically. Even the photographic technique itself portrays racism and reflects society’s judgement of people based on skin color. 

While Brown employs this older photographic method, she also utilizes a relationship between a present-day daughter, mother, and grandmother to apply historical inequities to modern black lives and identities. The very style of these images communicates historical oppression in American history and shows how black women have struggled with generations of discrimination. The multigenerational maternal relationship depicted in Brown’s artwork shows the length and pain of this struggle, as well as the need for connection, support, and the transmission of wisdom between generations. 

For more information on Representation of Black Womanhood and related events, visit https://thestamp.umd.edu/stamp_gallery