Duchess Gaze

Jameelah Platt
Duchess Gaze, 2020
Paper collage, sequins, flat back pearls, digital collage.

“Duchess Gaze is about nurturing the narrative and experience of Black Joy and Abundance, and it’s about unapologetically embracing one’s value. Duchess Gaze is about breaking the misconception of Blackness being associated with poverty, lack of class, or lack of education. This image, instead, demands that the audience meet the Duchess’ Gaze to feel her power, eloquence and strength. Duchess Gaze is a declaration of glory, pride, beauty and eloquence, particularly through the lens of Blackness and Femininity. Her gaze is demanding, and her presence is unapologetic.” - Jameelah Platt

Jameelah Platt, a Pittsburgh native, is an interdisciplinary artist and visual storyteller. She uses color, texture and collage to find new ways to reanimate and explore the stories of people of color. In her work, she creates complex visual language which she hopes viewers will decode, explore and reflect upon. Platt is a teaching artist at Assemble Gallery.