THE BAOBOB PROJECT: AN ARTIST STATEMENT
The Baobab Project intricately explores the journey of Black men into adulthood through the mediums of photography, collage, and mixed media. By facilitating immersive one-on-one sessions that incorporate meditation and dialogue, participants engage in a profound rediscovery of personal empowerment. Rooted in the traditions of African rites of passage, participants are adorned with white tribal paint, symbolizing their emotional exchange and journey. Intimate Polaroid portraits capture these moments, serving as catalysts for healing and cultural reconnection.
Having engaged over a hundred men across the Ohio and Kentucky regions, the project highlights the widespread impact and collective experiences of its participants. In collaboration with Phyllis Jeffers-Coly, the project provides a multifaceted perspective on its transformative impact, creating a space for Black men to be open and vulnerable as they revisit their coming-of-age experiences. The Baobab Project stands as a testament to the power of artistic expression in fostering personal growth and cultural remembrance.​