Confluence Anthology - Issue 16

Designing artwork for the inner pages and front cover of Confluence Magazine, Issue 16 (total of 10 illustrations excluding the front cover)

This project underscores the importance of Black British artists and photographers being featured in commercial platforms like Confluence Magazine, where their work is visible to public audiences.

It challenges historical underrepresentation by demonstrating that Black women, including older and queer women, are pivotal contributors to contemporary British art.

The inclusion of my artwork reflects an intersectional approach to identity, where race, gender, sexuality, and age intersect. I used the intersectionality theory to explore how diverse identities are represented in the backstory of literature publishing.

I Have not encountered a Black British Literature Illustrator before. They are out there; it is how to find them. That is why it is important that there is an increase within this demographic. We need to be acknowledged with the same energy as our white counterparts. Books are for all.

Through this collaboration, I used contemporary methods, such as AI blending, to create artwork that resonates with different audiences. This shows that Black artists can engage with themes that matter to all while remaining grounded in their unique narratives.

The project employs practice-based research, integrating my artistic process as a form of inquiry. By collaborating with Confluence Magazine, this work demonstrates the value of partnerships in bridging academic research and public engagement. The diversity and Intersectional factors within the poets are vital to the output and the diversity and Intersectional factors within the book creative.

The project emphasises that Black women over 50, including queer Black women, continue to produce relevant and impactful work, challenging stereotypes about creativity being tied to youth. This links to my research focus on the contributions of Black British creatives across generations.