Shooting Range
ArtistNneka Jonescreates portraits highlighting women of color who have suffered injustices in the world.
Some abuses are overt while others are ingrained in the fabric of our society and therefore often go overlooked.
But to the people in her mixed media and embroidered portraits, the effects are traumatic.
“Shooting Range”
The Black women and girls depicted in Jones work are victims of sexual abuse and sex trafficking.
While they are victims, Jones decided to imbue the symbol with an alternative meaning as the series grew.
Read on for My Modern Met’s exclusive interview.
“Colorblind Shooting Range”
Colorblind Shooting Range
You paint without paint and incorporate a lot of embroidery into your work.
What was the inspiration for this use of combining these two materials?
Creating artwork using embroidery was never even a thought in my mind over a year ago.
“Yellow Light”
I researched different materials for a few hours, but embroidery thread seemed to be the most interesting.
Yellow Light
Embroidery is a meticulous art.
The subjects for my artwork are always carefully planned and researched before I create the actual work of art.
“Green Light”
Once I begin stitching this image, I begin telling a story.
I always start with the eyes of the individual and work my way outward to develop the figure.
How does the symbol change throughout your work, depending on who it is is affixed to?
“Green Light” (Detail, work in progress)
Red Light
Traffic lights also inform your work.
Can you describe their meaning within your pieces?
They are no longer victims.
“Red Light”
Dartboard Target
What do you hope viewers take away from your work?
What are you working on now?
Anything you’re free to share with us?
“Dartboard Target”
“Targets Variegated” Series
“Target” (comprising condoms and painting)
“Colorblind Shooting Range” (comprising condoms and painting)
“Red Light District” | “Red Light District II” (comprising condoms and painting)
