ZOË CHARLTON
Artist’s Statement

Currently, my work centers on my visual investigation of identity. I explore racial identity within contemporary Black popular culture. I incorporate varied cultural sources to provide insight into my exploration of social politics. My work utilizes often obscure and humorous narrative to explore visual stereotypes. I am interested in African American history and folklore, as well as mass media, and how these modes of communication interpret stereotypes. I am also intrigued by racist humor. The influence of racist jokes, like racist imagery, pinpoints stereotypes that affect the perceived identities of African Americans.
I question beauty as it relates to identity – how representation of women and men, Blacks and Whites reflect social stereotypes. I challenge shared stereotypes between one or more cultures. Visual stereotypes and cultural myths subconsciously interpret and deconstruct many of our experiences. I take broadly acknowledged or understood topics, juxtapose images and phrases (the particular titles of a work) to re-question stereotypes.
I question the dynamics of marginalization. Through an exploration of interracial and intra-racial stereotypes, I hope to challenge the viewer (and myself) to an understanding of how marginalization and the “can’t we all get along” syndrome faces the obstacle daily with indifference based upon race and gender. I target these stereotypes of beauty and identity to deconstruct the degrading myths that consciously and unconsciously persist about my race. Racism, classism, and sexism are universal. I am specifically addressing the identities of Black American women and men.
My investigation of stereotypical imagery challenges my audience to question and transcend racist character concepts and to realize that negative racial stereotypes do not help to define individuals.