Recent Work
I find inspiration in cultural artifacts and discarded ephemera that I mine from African-American communities in NYC. I repurpose found suitcases, photographs, basketballs, cherish mementos, etc., in order to challenge conventional notions of value and to reclaim narratives that are often marginalized or overlooked.
As a child I was fascinated by my first trip to the museum because it was the first time that I had left the Southside (Sunnyside) of Houston. I remember seeing a diverse group of people, particularly businessmen carrying briefcases downtown. I became obsessed with the idea of using a briefcase because I viewed it as a symbol of success and importance. I was gifted one by my mother at the age of 16 and I filled it with all sorts of childish keepsakes like, drawing paper, drawings, candy, pens, pencils, and small gadgets that I made; It became like a treasure chest that I carried along with me everywhere I went.
‘‘One work alone communicates with its audience, collectively they communicate with themselves. Through the eyes of my ancestors I create what “was” and “will be”.
-Prinston