This is me (2020)
“I want this collection to bring a smile to your face, fill you with pride for your culture, or fall in love with black beauty and culture, giving you the confidence to own who you are and experiment with colour and embrace it into your own everyday life”
- Caroline Chinkawe -
Caroline Chinakwe's inaugural art series, "This is Me," is a commemoration of the artist's admiration for her West African heritage, two decades of experience as a fashion stylist, and her advocacy for promoting an accurate representation of black beauty and culture. With her debut collection, Caroline aims to challenge societal beauty standards and celebrate the diversity and distinct qualities that comprise our individuality.
The series comprises 15 vibrant portraits that blend color, texture, and style to capture the essence of the black experience. Each piece is meticulously crafted to showcase the splendor of her culture. Caroline portrays the pride inherent in Black hair textures and styles, along with accessories like hats, glasses, and jewelry, which also embody her distinctive and occasionally flamboyant style. Every detail is thoughtfully considered to create a resounding statement of self-expression and individuality.
What distinguishes "This is Me" is its capacity to resonate with viewers on a personal and cultural level. The series reflects Chinakwe's own voyage towards self-assurance and affirmative thinking. The titles of each artwork, such as "Patience," "I can't be stung by you," and "Let go of your past," bear witness to Caroline's spiritual practices and function as reminders of the potency of self-confidence, positive thinking, and the significance of accepting and believing in ourselves.