Pieces of Me

The work of Shaunte Lewis is “serving face.” Her newest show, Pieces of Me, is a collection of illustrations that showcase the incredible features & phenotypes of black women in her fun pop art style. Through digital illustration and mixed media, Lewis taps into a version of black femininity that many find aspirational.

The women in Shaunte’s work are clean, coiffed, and colorful. The edges are laid, and the lashes are fluffy; the playfulness of the collection hides the hard work and technical skill required for simplicity. Every line is crisp, with not a single hair out of place. Lewis’ history as a beautician shines through.

Despite being similar in size & composition, no two pieces in the show are just alike. The tight cropping and focus on facial features invite viewers into the individuality of black women, asking the audience to consider what it means to be seen as beautiful. The Lewis woman is smart and modest; she is bold without being loud or offensive. The work affirms the dreams of many aspiring influencers and respectable young professionals.

Occasionally, Lewis hints at something less pristine. In Chill Pill, the subject holds a brightly colored pill in her relaxed, ruby lips. A seasoned observer would expect a grimace to spread across the face, but instead, the expression is docile, with eyes cast away from the audience. Lewis’s work demands attention from the wall with its enthralling use of color and texture.

Other works use typography to instruct the viewer. Lewis gently directs us to ‘be bold’ or ‘take up space.’

With rich mixed media, her work encourages us to use our voices and speak for ourselves, preferably with style and grace. Her face card has yet to decline.

The show can be viewed anytime during the month of March in the Speck Gallery during Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The works can also be viewed and purchased on our online gallery through April.

Cierra JohnsonMarch 16, 2024