Rising Above a Devilish Fire: Portraits of Black Americans

"I'm from Farragut, now known as DUMBO. I grew up in Farragut housing known for the Brooklyn Bridge, double dutch teams, dope block parties, and a profound sense of familial and cultural pride!" - Tarisse (Farragut). Activist. Curator. Image © Makeba Rainey

"I loved Harlem. Why would I go someplace else? I loved the people. I loved to hear the music when it was warm outside, talking to people, walking...and poverty, yes. Everything wasn’t rosy, but I didn’t want to move to...Brooklyn” - Mama Nonkululeko (Harlem). Midwife. Matriarch. Image © Makeba Rainey

"I lived in a place where I saw Black people who were artists, business owners, politicians, or just everyday people; struggle, commune, enjoy life, and create." - Sage (Fort Green). Writer. Sister (2/3). Image © Makeba Rainey

"[Brooklyn is] Black folks finding their tribes and pioneering the reclamation of their African heritage and identities" - Shakasis (Bed-Stuy). Mother of Nuari Amen. Lyricist. Image © Makeba Rainey

"My family feels Flatbush is their heart. However, now with gentrification, we are feeling parts of us are being taken away." - Latasha (Flatbush). Rapper. Bruja. Image © Makeba Rainey

"The people define [Brooklyn]. I think we're just a colorful people. Whether it be personality, complexion, style, or personal interests, Brooklyn has lots of color and flavor." - Baindu (Bed-Stuy). Performance Artist. Educator. Image © Makeba Rainey

“Growing up my neighborhood was all about community. This community-like mentality has stuck with me as I enter adulthood. I thrive off of being around caring and loving individuals. I have a need to get involved and give back.” - Nija (Fort Greene). Mom-to-be. Sister (3/3). Image © Makeba Rainey

"I was born and raised in a Black Girl paradise one with harsh realities like poverty, drugs, violence AND unmatched possibility, hustle, and community care." - Brittany (Bed-Stuy). Entrepreneur. Homegirl. Image © Makeba Rainey

"My hood represents home.” - Shakasis (Bed-Stuy). Mother of Satepra Amen. Lyricist. Image © Makeba Rainey

“I call Harlem ‘The Holy Thirteenth’.A sacred ground crowded by families, hustlers, artists ( con or standard ) and holy folk. Slick talkers , rude men , beyond pious church hat ladies and the most stylish women in the world.” - Gia (Harlem). Poet. Prophet. Image © Makeba Rainey

“But what of Black women?…I most sincerely doubt if any other race of women could have brought its fineness up through so devilish a fire.” – W.E.B. Du Bois

“By centering her work around social justice, specifically in regard to Black Americans, community becomes the key to liberation,” reads Makeba Rainey’s artist statement.

Rainey’s project, “The Soul(s) of…”, now on view under the Brooklyn Bridge as part of the Photoville photography festival, archives people’s histories as the landscapes of their urban neighborhoods change. “Soul(s) of…” consists of two components: 16-20 digital collage portraits of Black women living in gentrified communities and an interactive online archive of their stories. The archive provide a glimpse of what was, and create a community for folks with similar experiences.

This year is the 150th anniversary of W.E.B. Du Bois’ birth year. The title of the project – “The Soul(s) of…” – pays homage to Du Bois, who often wrote about how extraordinary Black Americans are in the face of oppression.

Originally from Harlem, New York, Rainey’s creative practice focuses on building community. A self-taught artist, she’s best known for her digital collage portraits of contemporary and historical Black icons. Rainey’s work has been exhibited internationally. She is a 2017 Create Change Fellow with the Laundromat Project, a 2018 member of Vox Populi gallery in Philadelphia, a 2018 CFEVA Fellow, a 2018 Season III NARS resident Artist, and an Absolut Art artist.

The Soul(s) of…
By Makeba Rainey
Photoville
Through September 23, 2018