Illustrations
These three illustrations depict different horror motifs modeled on Black characters. The idea is to merge the common narratives of horror and to reimagine them with Black characters as well as immersing the world of Black culture and horror.
Kueen Muerte
Hughes, Arielle
Kueen Muerte
Charcoal and braiding hair on paper
​
I am using these illustrations to portray common horror motifs with Black Characters. The "supernatural", "witch", "warlock" themes are being loosely depicted in Kueen Muerte. The stories of the supernatural run core deep in all cultures; I wanna see more telling and exploration of the Pan African supernatural. The western portrayal of the supernatural is commonly shown in the light of evil and or with western Christian narratives. I am curious to see these concepts in a way that does not demonize them, but instead through a lens of wanting to understand and or explore/express in a non westernized influence.
Korner Meat
Hughes, Arielle
Korner Meat
Charcoal and faux blood
This second illustration plays on the themes of Southern Gothic aesthetics, "Children of the Corn," or "Chainsaw Massacre" influences. "
​
"Ridiculously enough, I still have not seen 'Children of the Corn.' Regardless, Southern horror with African American folklore is another area that exists and I want to see more of it."
Salange
Hughes, Arielle
Salange
Charcoal and acrylic nails
Nails by Naomi Wilson
This is the third and final Illustration which plays on the themes of "serial killer" and "cannibalism." Nails are a significant form of expression and art in African American culture. I thought about how wild it would be to have a nail tech that kills and eats her clients hands. Diving into ideas of aesthetics juxtaposing with visceral depictions of violence are all what echo in this drawing, as well as the other two.
​
"I hate imagining going to get my nails did and then BOOM I'm gone and my hands come together as a delicious plated masterpiece."