Find Me Through the Grey

by Ariel Collins

“I am a Black queer artist based in Miami, Florida, with a B.A. in visual art, psychology, and interdisciplinary studies from Florida Gulf Coast University. My work explores racial inequity and identity through personal and cultural narratives, informed by critical race theory. "A Seat at the Table," an oil painting, addresses the CROWN Act and highlights the covert racism embedded in "race-neutral" policies. It calls for a space where Black voices can express lived experiences without being silenced by superficial progressivism. "Find Me Through the Grey," an oil painting, reflects the complexities of Black identity and mental health, exploring the toll of navigating privilege, discrimination, and the struggle for resilience in a world that often reduces Black people to a monolith. Through my art, I aim to foster awareness, cultural connection, and empathy. Each piece is informed by research into Black history and ancestry, using art as a means of empowerment and resistance against injustice.”