Mia McNeal
Undefinable
Mia McNeal’s portraiture highlights the beauty, power, and uniqueness that is naturally exuded by Black women.
- October 6 - 27, 2022
- Opening: Thursday, October 6, 6:00 — 8:00pm
“Misogynoir” is a term coined by scholar Moya Bailey to describe the anti-Black and misogynistic discrimination experienced by Black women.
These prejudices are fueled by the relentless dissemination of angry, sassy, and overtly sexualized tropes for popular consumption which has led to dangerous mistreatment in medical, educational, judicial, professional, and online settings. McNeal scrutinizes our obsession with Black culture and the perverse ways in which Black women are deemed desirable when their attributes are displayed on non-Black bodies.
Undefinable serves as counterpoint to this mistreatment and a platform to celebrate Black women, providing space for them to reclaim their own narratives. Through her collection of intimate gelatin silver prints and a short film, McNeal explores the true lived experiences of her subjects.
This exhibition has been generously supported by a 4Culture Arts Project Grant.
About the Artist
Born and raised in Washington, Mia McNeal is a portrait photographer, filmmaker, and educator in the Greater Seattle area. She studied at Seattle University where she developed her passion for film, photography, and videography. McNeal creates personal projects that explore the intersections of history and identity with the hope of inspiring healing and discussion.