https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/files/original/b580a120cff80da8e70ad3bbbeb129d5.jpeg 0463388a3d3492b52398d33a0abd34a5 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Mixed-media diptych featuring two portrait panels layered over collaged text. The left panel shows a person laughing with a hand pressed to their chest, the word "SPECS" written across the palm. The right panel shows another person's face partially covered by a large hand placed over their eyes. Surrounding both portraits are handwritten and printed statements about Black joy, identity, confidence, memory, and self-expression. https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/files/original/0ba714318995ec97914e9f38487ca8e5.jpeg 80f5616d8308c08404bf999e68640cf7 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Mixed-media diptych featuring two portrait panels layered over collaged text. The left panel shows a person laughing with a hand pressed to their chest, the word "SPECS" written across the palm. The right panel shows another person's face partially covered by a large hand placed over their eyes. Surrounding both portraits are handwritten and printed statements about Black joy, identity, confidence, memory, and self-expression. https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/files/original/72ffc3ffa3bc4ec081cceeb989569ec6.jpeg a82530d66142d04b1b0b9b853a503c82 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Mixed-media diptych featuring two portrait panels layered over collaged text. The left panel shows a person laughing with a hand pressed to their chest, the word "SPECS" written across the palm. The right panel shows another person's face partially covered by a large hand placed over their eyes. Surrounding both portraits are handwritten and printed statements about Black joy, identity, confidence, memory, and self-expression. https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/files/original/0e1a568aa2babd42fc47b1a1ab6ec526.jpeg cb4bbbd48e2bb3551801fd96aa08df8e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Mixed-media diptych featuring two portrait panels layered over collaged text. The left panel shows a person laughing with a hand pressed to their chest, the word "SPECS" written across the palm. The right panel shows another person's face partially covered by a large hand placed over their eyes. Surrounding both portraits are handwritten and printed statements about Black joy, identity, confidence, memory, and self-expression. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource VADS2025 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Black Boy Joy Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Hernandez, Cici Abstract A summary of the resource. Creating with my hands has always been my passion. Painting is more than an outlet; it’s how I express my identity. I pour myself into each piece. Holding a paintbrush brings me peace and allows me to unravel my thoughts and express emotions. While others might journal or confide in friends, I find solace in my art. Each brushstroke connects me to myself. The canvas mirrors my essence. Portraiture is the heart of my work. Allowing me to capture the subjects' likeness as well as their essence, I don’t adhere to traditional realism. I challenge conventional beauty standards by using color to express how I interpret a person’s spirit. Skin tone becomes a space for deeper exploration, allowing me to paint figures in colors that reflect how I feel about them rather than their phenotype. I aim to subvert societal beauty standards and celebrate the richness of human identity in all its forms. I embrace a diverse palette because color connects us, highlights our differences, and celebrates the depth of our souls. My work questions perceptions, pushing against stereotypes and reminding us of the power in owning one’s identity. Each painting reflects my truth, celebrating the multifaceted nature of humanity and the beauty in all its variations. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2025 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Mixed-media diptych featuring two portrait panels layered over collaged text. The left panel shows a person laughing with a hand pressed to their chest, the word "SPECS" written across the palm. The right panel shows another person's face partially covered by a large hand placed over their eyes. Surrounding both portraits are handwritten and printed statements about Black joy, identity, confidence, memory, and self-expression.