Artist Statement
"My art liberates the ego from the prison of identity. I paint barriers to help me visualize the ideological and societal blocks that keep me from connecting with my fellow humans, with nature, with myself. My goal is to deprogram myself from The Industry of Division, my art only documents this process. My work challenges divisive labels and confronts the barriers that perpetuate human disconnection and disrupt discourse. Through my art, I’m on a quest to heal myself from the disease of division, in hopes that this radiates to my audience.
People Not Things forever and ever."
BIO
Genesis Be, a dynamic artist and advocate, harnesses the power of art to heal divided communities and challenge oppressive archetypes. Raised in south Mississippi, Be has had to navigate the prison of identity in a state whose history is rife with racial violence, homophobia and suppressive systems. Be’s work focuses on bridge building, racial healing, civil discourse and healing divided communities. Be is directly influenced by her grandfather, civil rights activist Reverend Clyde Briggs.
Her paintings, poetry and music serve as her platform for self exploration, radical self expression and self examination.
Her artistry transcends entertainment, serving as a catalyst for civil dialogue and action rooted in human connection and compassion. As an outspoken creative and advocate for human rights and collective liberation, she lobbied to have the Confederate flag removed from the design of the Mississippi state flag. Be continues to inspire and ignite difficult conversations that resonate far beyond the stage and gallery. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, VICE, Billboard and more.
As Global Ambassador for Moral Courage, Be teaches leaders how to have productive dialogue around polarizing issues, how to stand your ground while creating common ground. She is the subject of the documentary "Mississippi Turning" (unreleased) and continues the fight to improve race relations in her home state of Mississippi. She is the founder of Strive Till I Rise and People Not Things.
