Lola Kingsley
What is the Black Star?
2023
Installation, archival book including photography, found images and text, pins, envelopes, and printer, 6 ft x 12 ft.
Artist statement
What is the Black Star? examines Black cultural identity through a combination of art, literature, archives, and personal work, presented simultaneously as a catalogue intended for mailing and a wall installation. This project aims to ignite discussions about the politics of being Black, focusing on the experiences of young Black artists engaged in spiritual and revolutionary thinking, as well as radicalization. Kingsley aligns herself with those who came before her and those she admires, contemplating how one can contribute to the discourse on liberation—both physical and intellectual. Upon reflecting on her subject matter, the artist realized that the work evolved into a self-portrait directed not only at herself but also at the Black youth and future generations. This project stands as both a testament to Black Power in art and as a celebration and a tribute to revolutionary Black culture.
Dedicated to my niece, Skylar, whom I have yet to meet. I hope you see yourself in this work and find love in what you discover.
Artist’s biography
Lola Kingsley (b.1999) is a visual artist from Montréal. Using analog photography as her primary form of expression, the artist operates with a philosophy of consistent minimalism to reveal the essence of her subjects in a manner that feels authentic and transparent. Kingsley appreciates the incorporation of installations in the presentation of her work to enhance and complement the visual narrative of the audience’s sensorial experience, inviting viewers into a personal dialogue with her subjects.
