Philadelphia artist Zeinab Diomande uses the language of self-portraiture to create opposing and sometimes conflicting representations of the Black Experience. The backgrounds in her paintings are generally shown in motion while the figure is still. Throughout her work, subjects are often captured in moments of relaxation. The women in Diomande’s world can be seen reclining on beds, floating in water, or simply at rest. She observes, “People from marginalized communities in leisure, including myself, are always seen as a radical act, a political act. Can’t one just 'be'…without trying to prove anything?”

Dandelion Interlude draws stylistic inspiration from the campy leisure advertisements of the 1960s. Although the female nude is a frequent subject throughout art history, they are usually depicted as objects of desire, either naïve to the presence of their voyeur or demurely looking away. However, the woman in Diomande’s painting stares confidently back at the viewer. Relaxed and self-assured, the Black Femme in repose takes control of the female gaze to reframe the situation and reclaim her power.

Visit zeinabdiomande.com