Desirae Brown
Desirae Brown is currently an MFA student graduating in August 2023 in Liberal Arts. Her focus is studio arts, and most of her work presently revolves around sculpture. Her artwork is a response to growing up as a multiethnic child and addresses her mother's influence on her in their single-parent household. Additionally, it delves into themes like being a woman and a single mother herself, bi-ethnicity, and social class. Her goal is to create works that open a space for discussions of all these them
When not creating or teaching, Desi spends time with her children or works out at the gym.
I was born in Cheyenne, WY, and raised alongside my brother by a single, hardworking mother, who, as a talented seamstress, provided garments for her children. Growing up in this environment, fabric and patterns became intertwined with my very being, ingrained in my DNA. Now, as an artist, I draw from these deep-rooted connections, utilizing patterns in my artwork.
My journey has been one of profound roles and responsibilities. I am a mother, a daughter, a sister, and a tribe member (my children and myself), embracing my various identities. As the head of my household, I navigate the challenges of parenthood, fulfilling both the nurturing and provider roles. I embrace my identity as both father and mother.
Being a Black biracial woman in a lower socioeconomic class, I have experienced a unique set of struggles and victories. My artwork offers a visual representation of powerful Black biracial womanhood and single motherhood within the context of lower-class society. These aspects are interconnected, inseparable, and equally represented in my artwork. Through my art, I want to create space for discussions that challenge societal norms, dismantle oppressive structures, and celebrate the strength and resilience of the marginalized.
In my process, I find myself drawn to the color orange, which symbolizes the struggle I have endured but also serves as a testament to my inner strength.
Navigating the complexities of my biracial identity has been a profound journey, shaped by societal perceptions and personal revelations. Over time, I have come to embrace my biracial heritage, recognizing its significance in shaping who I am today. I identify as a strong Black woman, yet I am aware of how both the Black and White communities have viewed and identified me differently.
I want to create a space where individuals can confront and unpack the themes of gender, race, and socioeconomic status, all while celebrating the human experience.
Through color, patterns, materials, and figures, my work serves as a tribute to the strength and resilience of Black biracial women and the marginalized.