For Art Basel Miami 2018, my creative collective and I are took our ART on the ROAD —literally! 

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We had a Mobile Exhibit that was showcased at different events throughout the weekend!  The feedback was sooo amazing and we’re finally ready to share it with the world. Our project is called THE GODDESS SERIES, which includes four segments: Free the Nipple, Free the Bush, Intimacy, and our Warrior Goddesses.

#FREETHENIPPLE

It was ~just~ made a national law in 2018 to allow women to breastfeed in public without retribution. This natural act, which has sustained human life for as long as humans have been in existence, still remains super taboo in the United States. It is so taboo that women are being persecuted and shamed for one of nature’s most vital gifts (Don’t believe us? Read the comments). When we shot these photos, we were harassed by a white male cop who felt the need to call for back up. His first words to the dispatcher was “four Black women”... For what? For public breastfeeding. Public breastfeeding has been legalized in the state of Florida since 1993; “Florida Statute 383.015 explicitly states that a woman has grounds to breastfeed in any location, public or private, and furthermore, cannot be arrested for indecent exposure while she is breastfeeding....” That means, whether she has one child on her breast or two, if her nipple is exposed for any reason, it is still not grounds for an arrest (or considered lewd). This officer, knowing the law and the Florida Statutes, still threatened to detain us and refused to allow us to continue crystallizing this moment, based on his own projections of respectability politics. Do you shame breastfeeding?

#FREETHEBUSH-

Women are often criticized for having naturally occurring body hair. Even our partners, who will not shave in solidarity, still require us to do so. Many women don’t even feel confident or clean if they have not shaved themselves. This unnaturalness is a double standard, and is perpetuated by men and women who have been societally programmed to think that naturalness is akin to filth and disgust. We shot this particular photo series in a strip club, as it is the modern day space where the male gaze reigns supreme. Men own the clubs, are usually the DJs, bouncers, and of course, the clients. It is the fantasy of men that matters most, and women are often made to feel uncomfortable, alter their bodies/ appearance, and ultimately risk their lives to fit into an unnatural representation of what is deemed as “beautiful”. We’re here to challenge these perspectives and give you a real and artful representation of a natural woman— and, no matter how “turned off” you want to be by her body hair, you cannot deny her sexiness, her prowess, or her power. Her beauty shines through no matter what your preference is, and if it’s recognizable here, it’s recognizable anywhere.  If you’re offended by these photos, please ask yourself why, and challenge what you have been taught to believe is beautiful. Normalize what it is natural and let’s find the true nature of beauty. Do you police women’s bodies?

#INTIMACY

Women are known to be super intimate with one another. So much so, that we are criticized by men who cannot do the same. Whether it is as simple as giving your girl a kiss on the cheek, or as taboo as taking showers with your sisters, this intimacy is not at all sexual. More often than not, those who criticize our closeness, also over sexualize our intimacy. Women can dance with each other or massage one another without an underlying sexual motive. Women find it important to build comfortable, close, and safe spaces— not sexual ones. Yet these sacred spaces are still considered threatening and taboo. We literally were in nature (where society keeps telling us we should be), not bothering anyone while capturing these moments, yet the cops were called on us. Society doesn’t want black women coming together to unify and uplift one another— they rather see us us hating, backstabbing, and breaking down each other like we see on T.V. 

Do you see the power of sisterhood on a large scale?

#WARRIORGODDESS-

Women who are intimidating are often told to make themselves smaller to appease society or men. The quote “women should be seen not heard” is supposed to be outdated, yet it still reinforced in today’s society. Women are ignored in public spaces when other men are being recognized or introduced, and are often undermined and demeaned. Seemingly strong women are broken down by force, whether that be physical, mental, or otherwise. We’re here to challenge what you’ve heard about strong, powerful women and show you the true  essence of the goddess. As strong, powerful, and radiant she is, you cannot deny her beautiful and alluring spirit. This isn’t a fairytale, this is real life. Do you see the return of the Divine Feminine?

This is a conversation. This is freedom! And this is ONLY “provocative” because the expression of self and naturalness from a woman is shunned in today’s society. 

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For Us, By Us ✨

Nothing you see can be found in the stores —from the spiritual lingerie, to the powerful copper crystal jewelry, to the unique and magical models. Everything is authentic and true to our collective —aligned to bring you a higher perspective! 

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Lingerie designed by @jasminenicholeart

Soulry (copper jewlery) handmade by @sol.svn

Shot by @shootmejade

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All of which are apart of our Goddess Collective @goddesscollective7

@shootmejade @iyannathemodel @sol.svn @jasminenicholeart @dynaedyne

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Support us and our cause by donating $10 to our project!

CASHAPP $TheGoddessSeries 

That way we can take it to a city near YOU ✨

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We love you all and we hope to inspire you with as much passion as we took to complete it. 

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Blessings ✨✨✨

@goddesscollective7