Introduction to Reflections of Resistance
Using augmented reality and daring illustrations, Ananda Ray, a digital arts student, is bringing awareness to the stories of three generations of Black women whose activism for equality made an enduring impact. The vibrant art installation, called "Reflections of Resistance," is displayed within the windows of Pratt Institute’s Film/Video Building on Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn as a part of the 2022 Black Artstory Month.
The Inspiration Behind the Art
For Ray, the public-facing work was a possibility to acknowledge the unsung contributions of Black women to social movements across American history. The repeated word "unite" radiates around a gaggle of girls from across eras who’re holding signs like "We March for Integrated Schools Now!" and "Justice for Breonna." Ray’s goal is to inform the stories of the moms, sisters, and girls who got here together and fought for democracy, and to amplify their contributions to the civil rights movement.
A Generational Look at Activism
The installation takes a generational take a look at activism, from civil rights within the Fifties and ’60s to the Black Panthers within the Seventies to Black Lives Matter in the current. This resonates with the theme of this 12 months’s Black Artstory Month: Democracy’s Body. The work on view showcases how artists are centering Black womxn’s narratives in American democracy in a way that goes beyond the political landscape. According to Bre’Lynn Lombard, the curator of the event, "The collectivity of Ananda’s work, its vibrancy, and the emotion that’s invoked throughout the themes are democratic."
Making the Art Accessible
The installation isn’t only physical but in addition accessible remotely. Viewers can click on each of the ladies and find out about their lives, who they were, and what they stood for. Ray believes that this way of technology opens up latest access to participation and provides a brand new path for people to learn and listen to essential Black stories that should finally be heard. For example, a viewer can engage with information on civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, who was pivotal in organizing the 1964 Freedom Summer, in addition to find details on the present voting rights advocacy led by Stacey Abrams.
The Use of Technology in Art
"Reflections of Resistance" involves each AR and 3D modeling to bring these narratives to life. Creating connections through art is a component of Ray’s ongoing exploration of technology. One of her earliest AR projects was dedicated to learning about Clinton Hill and the lives of its residents, and she or he has also designed an AR work where users connect with a version of Black Twitter and conversations around activism, culture, and Black joy.
Conclusion
Ananda Ray’s "Reflections of Resistance" is a strong art installation that sheds light on the stories of three generations of Black women who fought for equality and democracy. Through using augmented reality and daring illustrations, Ray brings these stories to life and makes them accessible to a wider audience. The installation is a testament to the importance of amplifying the contributions of Black women to social movements and highlighting their role in shaping American democracy. As Ray hopes, the viewer can experience something latest and be inspired to learn more in regards to the hidden stories of Black women who’ve made an enduring impact on history.
