MERCEDES LEWIS.
ARTIST AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR, SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN.
How does diversity play a role in art direction? Diversity plays a major role in art direction to visualize a different narrative or viewpoint from another cultures perspective. Art direction brings an opportunity for representation, especially for people of color. Representation is so key in the documentation of African Americans own art & history. Whether its fashion, music, art or visual content in general it’s vital that we add our own viewpoints and culture from our own perspective. For so many years black culture has been suppressed or appropriated. To think that we were once killed for learning simply how to read to becoming faces on magazine covers to being in the covers is outstanding. It would be even greater if we controlled our own content with no restrictions on how we speak up for ourselves and explain our truth. We were not allowed to be treated as human beings let alone praised in the public eye. We are constantly dehumanized and the diversity art direction gives us an opportunity to change that. To create visuals that show the emotions, skill, talent and beauty shows our story and the value of a black life. It’s vital order to break the stereotypes, discrimination and systematic oppression that we still face today. Can Art Direction be used as a tool for activism? Yes I believe art direction can be used as a tool for activism. To have the opportunity to express our own black history and culture is to make sure that our culture isn’t stolen or suppressed. Art direction allows us to showcase our greatness and leadership. The 104 // AUTONOMY, ACTIVISM & ART DIRECTION.
purpose of art direction is to tell a story. When given the opportunity to have art or a visual representation that represents a black culture its history within itself. Even seeing a black images of people existing is history within itself. Living in a world that oppresses black people and culture. Art Direction not only becomes a part of our history but allows us to have a voice to share our viewpoints visually that may not be shared in the mainstream media. Art direction fuels me as an artist to shed light on certain concepts of racism, systematic oppression, black culture and history that normally is not shared in our education system or media. Think about the movie Get Out, this movie was an opportunity for someone of color to tell a story about these concepts from a black man’s perspective. Through the lighting, music, composition of shots and timing the art director was able to portray the emotion, feeling, and mindsets of the characters that are relatable to most black people today. The concepts of racial tension, slavery, systematic oppression were key themes that were highlighted that were portrayed in a way that most black people could relate to. How can we preserve and protect marginal voices within art? We can preserve and protect marginal voices within art by ownership of our artwork, support more black businesses and create black businesses. It’s important for black culture to have more investments in our own art to preserve our own history. Often times our art is not showcased or given the same opportunities as the average European male artists. It’s vital that we
