Tonya Engel
Thursday, June 28, 2007
I was reading a post over at Fly {one of my favs by the way} earlier today which led to the discussion of African and Latino women and “race denial” and it got me to thinking about this painting I had seen by painter Tonya Engel. I’ve admired her work for some time now, mainly because much like the post I’m referring to, many women can relate to the subjects in her art. Below are a few that may stir up some childhood memories……
From left to right: Doll Room, Tar Baby. Bottom: Wig Shop
From left to right: Doll Room, Tar Baby. Bottom: Wig Shopi
Many of us have memories of wrapping scarves to our heads to emulate long straight hair similar to the doll babies in the picture above. I remember my mother refused to purchase any toys that didn’t resemble me and was furious when my father refused to comply. But it is the bottom picture that is most shocking in that this is what many black girls and women strive to look like today. Interesting………………………
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Out of all of Engel's paintings, my favorite is called Stars in My Hair because that's how I felt when I finally let my hair grow natural ;) Check out Tonya's website for more works of art.
This entry was posted on Thursday, June 28, 2007 at 12:11 PM.
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June 28, 2007 at 12:41 PM
I never had a weave but I do remember the perm and burn. I am now free as a bird 10 years and counting. Her work is beautiful, and even a little historical (as far as evolution goes)