Tschabalala Self

Tschabalala Self (born 1990) is an American artist best known for her depictions of Black female figures using paint, fabric, and discarded pieces of her previous works. She has been commissioned for public sculptures in the UK, and her use of mixed media in her works on canvas have been described as employing a "painting language." Inspired by works by African-American artist Romare Bearden, Self creates collages of various items that she has collected over time and sews them together to depict Black female bodies that "defy the narrow spaces in which they are forced to exist". She derives the concept from the history behind the African-American struggle and oppression in society. Self reclaims the Black female body and portrays them to be free of stereotypes without having to fear being punished. Her goal is to "create alternative narratives around the Black body." Much of Self's work uses elements from Black culture to construct quilt-like portraits. Self lives in Hudson, New York.