BFA Thesis: First to Die

This thesis calls attention to Black racial tropes in horror and to how these constructions reflect societal beliefs and impact cultural identity. Through literary and cinematic reference I intend to point out race and racism where it is at first not obvious, re-framing a discussion of film from one that does not acknowledge race to one that centers race.

Within the installation, the ‘infinite’ script compiles the last words of Black characters in horror films (from "Aaauugghhh!" to "Go! Just go!"), while the series of dolls I created from used and found objects represents the various Black tropes (from The Magical Negro to the Sassy Black Best Friend) found throughout the genre. You can find a more in-depth look at my process and thinking here.

Scope of work: Photography, Print, Editorial, Production + Exhibition Design