Benefits of Blackness

Dhael Monfiston​
Benefits of Blackness,  2017
Clay/Ceramic/ Glaze

“This ceramic piece depicts an Afrocentric nose as a piggy bank. Black bodies are constantly vilified in mass media, and society pushes us to hate our features. However, our features, style, and music are also a large source of profit and exploitation. My intention with this piece was to display the beauty of black features while also reminding that we are still seen and used as a source of profit. However, I think we are starting to move in a more positive direction thanks to increased representation.” - Dhael Monfiston

Dhael Monfiston is a student at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in English Writing with minors in Theatre Arts and Portuguese. Dhael documents key moments in her life through photography and writing. Dhael is Mexican-Haitian and enjoys learning about other cultures.