February Artist Series: On Self Love and Black Femininity

LOVE. So many things I’ve got to tell you…

Feb 03, 2025

Hello February! If you’re reading this I hope you and yours are well and safe. January felt like the longest year of our lives and with so much going on, I know how difficult it can be to stay present and in your purpose so hopefully you are taking a moment for yourself—to rest, reflect, and replenish. And if any of those things led you to this newsletter— I am grateful to have you here. Okay, let’s get into it.

Let me set the mood:

Last month I focused on the current climate the year was already giving us and because I was so busy trying to catch my breath I didn’t even share with ya’ll my word for 2025 which is LOVE. Perhaps in conversation, or in other mediums, but lets just make it official.

I’m happy to center this theme of LOVE into my next installment of the Reesa Speaks: Artist Series. As I intend to focus this year on experimentation/engagement with artists and creators my hope is to find folks inspiring and aligned with my purpose to amplify and hold space for the underrepresented voices. If you’re new to my newsletter, my first profile piece was published back in October as a post solo exhibit interview experience with artist YoYo Lander - check it out here!

With all that being said— It’s officially Black History Month, Valentine’s Day is around the corner and with all the love in the air I’d be silly not to acknowledge the current energy. When I think of how love is present in my life God, family and community are top of mind. However, aside from all those important things, I’ve come to realize that one of the greatest loves you can experience is the love you give yourself. As for me— I’ve been on this self love journey for years now trying to reacquaint myself with the parts of me I’ve neglected and I feel like I’m JUST now pouring into myself in ways that I never knew could be possible and as a result so many beautiful things are happening. I told myself the other day that this year— I am my own muse. The more love I give myself, the more I have to give to others and therefore I am in full embodiment of love.

Okay so, now— picture me and you walking through an art gallery. I am sharing my thoughts on how each piece of art resonates with me as we walk slowly in deep contemplation into each room. That is how I see this series flowing. If God is willing, each week there will be a new installment to share in this newsletter and we can experience this together. Are you ready?

@visionsofdjenabe on Black Femininity

Lets take a walk into this week’s installment where I highlight an artist that I discovered during my rabbit hole scrolls on Instagram - Djenabé aka @visionsofdjenabe. I don’t think it’s fair to label her creativity, however, in the Age of Aquarius— the art that she puts out into this world offers musings for the complex, soft, and feminine minded. When we think of black love we cannot leave out the act of self love. Often times as black women, we’re left out of this conversation because society doesn’t want us to love ourselves but when we do we become so powerful beyond measure. It was only right that I share this artist who resonates with complexities that I bring to self love club.

From Instagram in visionsofdjenabe’s words:

I Think, Therefore, I Am • 2024
A collage series that reimagines Black femininity through the lens of softness and fragility, drawing comparisons between Black women and the delicate elemental beauty of nature —sometimes peculiar, sometimes volatile, but always extraordinary.
In a world that often demands strength and resilience, these works honor vulnerability and tenderness as vital expressions of black femininity. Through layered imagery, ornamentation and intentional abstraction, the series offers a poetic meditation on the ethereal and embodied qualities of Black womanhood.

Where to find Djenabé on Instagram:

✨visionsofdjenabe

✨aquarius.mood

Let me know what you think of Djenabé’s artwork and collage series— Do any of the images resonate with you and how you are showing up in the self love club?

Reesa Speaks