Portrait by CESAR CORDONE
Ain’t I a Woman?
Ain’t I a Woman? explores how Black and brown women and Non-binary individuals are (re)defining what gender expression means and looks like for them whether that be through fashion, romance, or family — all of which are extremely gendered.
The project title is a play on Black abolitionist and activist Sojourner Truth’s speech, “Ain’t I a Woman,” given during a women’s rights convention in 1851. During her speech, Truth addressed the inequalities Black women faced at the time, essentially asking: are Black women not women? Are we not human?
While this project isn’t civil rights-focused, it was inspired by Truth, as well as Ruhamaiah’s experiences as a Black queer woman, furthering this line of questioning for contemporary audiences. What does it mean to be a “woman” today?
The strikethrough woman is indicative of how this project is redefining womanhood. The inclusion of gender-expansive individuals in the project seeks to examine gender in the 21st Century: how we define it and what we can learn from those who live and love outside so-called “traditional” constructs.
Ruhamaiah conceived this project in the hopes it might spark a deeper conversation about gender and expression, femininity and masculinity, and womanhood. Joy, respect and care for the subjects portrayed is central to Ruhamaiah’s work. We invite you to celebrate and share in their experiences.
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About Ruhamaiah
Ruhamaiah Bradley is a visual artist and storyteller.
Born and raised in Harlem, New York and now based in Brooklyn, her work is influenced by her experiences as a Black queer woman from New York City.
Her work explores the intersection of Black and queer identities, especially to show that the Black community is not a monolith. She shares stories that are often overlooked through art that showcases the beauty and complexity of the Black community so that it, and she, can experience joy and healing.
Presented by BKC & ASMP NY, The Bridge is a groundbreaking 16-week mentorship program for 18-26 year old emerging photographers and creative artists. To learn more about The Bridge, CLICK HERE.