Queens Village and the Contemporary Art Center are thrilled to announce 2023 Through Her Eyes Artist – Christina Garrett of 33 West Studios and her collaborative series- The Mama Representation Project.
Through Her Eyes: Mama Representation Project is a multimedia conversational and explorative piece centering the unique experiences of Black motherhood. Through Her Eyes: A Mama Representation Project is a platform for postpartum Black mamas to reclaim their stories and challenge stereotypes and the misogynoir that dominates the current narrative. This holistic journey is led by the talented Christina Garrett of 33 West Studios. Participants will be taken on a path of self-expression, discovery, and documentation of growth that comes with opening this new chapter in life.
Christina Garrett is a photographer and entrepreneur who shares her own path to finding her inner voice, ¨ Like many womxn I can't begin to count the number of times I have neglected myself to take care of others. Then around 15 years ago, a dear friend handed me a camera to play around with, and 33 West Studios was born. 33 West Studios is a photographer and beauty team dedicated to giving womxn from all walks of life a re-affirming and memorable photo experience that shows them what they forgot was there all along.”
The multimedia series, opening May 5th at the Contemporary Art Center, will feature narrative-fine art portraits, community talkbacks, and Co-Lab workshops holding space for Black mamas to rest, relax and repower.
Christina speaks to the inspiration for the project, “ The power of representation can be life-changing. When people feel seen and heard it can open doors to proper care, education, and more. This series is dedicated to showing each Black Mother deserves to be seen as a whole being and not just society's stereotypes. It's also a doorway to discussing and learning self-care as a mother and how that can affect your relationship with yourself and your children. ¨
Through Her Eyes: Mama Representation Project is a collaboration between Queens Village, 33 West Studios and the Contemporary Art Center’s Co-LAB program.