EXHIBITION STATEMENT

Embodied: Coming to America showcases photographic montages that explore narratives of struggle, resistance, and revelation. By depicting ancient African folklore through imagery of the Western world, subjects are provided with surreal yet heroic characteristics that give ordinary people qualities that transcend the modern world.

Using his extraordinary digital-collaging techniques, Amadi-Emina depicts Black bodies comprised of both animalistic characteristics, such as scales and fangs, and humanizing elements that include holy text and video game controllers. By fusing these two perspectives he creates a ritualistic and cultural experience, leading to the creation of “other” beings. These hybrid-beings embody a framework of Blackness that is present in both Black American culture and that of the African diaspora at large. This framework includes having to navigate spaces in the dominant society with a history of discrimination against those with African lineage, as well as being comfortable in one’s own skin at any given moment. Parallel to these realities, Amadi-Emina depicts moments of motivation and “feeding the beast” through knowledge of self, recognition of heritage, and confidence that can only be built through adversity. 

Appreciation and awareness of this duality has led to Amadi-Emina’s deep-rooted process and has furthered his practice.