Recent News

While witnessing the despair, the outrage, the chaos and the insanity of Hurricane Katrina as a VERY pregnant mama, I made a promise to myself to go deeper, to give more, to shout louder, to create more fiercely and to make art that is more in-your-face than ever before. I was ridiculously determined to reach out to members of my own struggling community, and to the people of the South - a place where I feel most connected to - a place where I feel most at home. I can honestly say that I feel the shift in the way I create and in the intrinsic life view I now hold. I wake with a fervor to push for more change, to partake in making bolder connections and to make art that is not simply about beauty and self-vision, but about the truth and trying nature of the present day and of these pressing times.

My recent body of work delves into the darkness still surrounding race and class, as well as the political and socioeconomic issues brimming underneath the surface of gentrification in Chicago. I compare these issues to the great unmasking and unraveling of the American social system which was recently “re-introduced” into the public eye upon Katrina’s arrival along the Gulf Coast.

As many of you now know, my current installation "Drift or Die Trying" was censored by the management at Il Covo in Bucktown, Chicago. This piece has caused quite a stir since its inception, and I will continue shooting and adding to the work in the months to come.
  
Check out the whole story which was a featured article written by Nellie Huggins for Fluxcore.org....
  
And just today............. RAW 2008 was thrown into my mailbox and I couldn't be more excited. This book is a collection of photographers and artists known to push limits and to set the tone for art that is now. It is all there at www.blackbook.com along with my groovy portfolio.
  
My work is also  currently featured on Sadder City - so click on and explore- great new site with a strong and simple message....
  
For the moment, there is nothing current to speak of other than the arrival of my daughter Macartny Laveau Alexander - born on May 30, 2008.

Please welcome her into the world and hope that she will inspire new projects and creative opportunities!

Just in case you are dying to have my work in print and lying around on your coffee table or clogging the memory space on your computer - please visit www.lulu.com and search for my books- Shytown & Southern Images- Book 1. They are both available for purchase in book form or download... and more are on the way!

I am sure there will a little somethin' in between in the meantime to mention....
  
Happy Summer.