ArtistNneka Joneshas been busy since graduating college four months ago.
She gained recognitionand rightfully sofor herportraits highlighting Black girls and womenwho have faced injustices.
The embroidered images are powerful and use circular motifs to symbolize how the subjects are targets within our society.
Jones latest projectthe coveted cover forTIMEmagazinetakes another conceptual approach, this time applying it to the United States flag.
Jones embroidery features the stars and stripes as they trail three-quarters of the way down the magazines cover.
At the top of the flag, the stitches are tight.
Everything, from the color choices to the stitches, has a meaning.
Scroll down to read our exclusive interview.
How did theTIMEmagazine commission come about?
Being commissioned byTIMEmagazine to produce cover artwork is all surreal.
Victor Williams, an art director atTIMEsaw my work on Instagram during the Black Lives Matter protests.
How did you come up with the idea for this piece?
Williams and I see-sawed ideas after he had given me the general details of the project.
Your image leaves the needle stuck in the fabric.
What inspired that decision?
Your work focuses on portraits.
What was it like focusing on the flag, a symbol, rather than a person?
The flag shifts in color.
Can you explain what that means?
What has this whirlwind time been like for you?
Making the decision to pursue a career in the arts was difficult but absolutely worth it.
I am extremely elated that I realized my passion and developed a plan to work towards my dream career.
Anything else you’re working on that you’re free to tell us about?
This can be pre-ordered onmy website shop.
