Carrie Mae Weems, Colored People, 1989-1990

I love how Weems makes a statement with the use of vibrancy and color in these photographs, while at the same time she makes a bold statement about race by titling this piece colored people. This work is inspiring to me because it takes what was deemed negative and associated with a particular image of “black vs white” out of Jim Crow and she decides to instead focus on color and the representation of Blackness within this vibrancy.

Carrie Mae Weems, Family Pictures and Stories, 1981-1982

These images stick out to me because of the stories they tell. I admire Weems’ ability to capture everyday life while also making a statement. This is something I’d like to experiment with.

Wendy Red Star, Apsa’olooke Feminist 3, 2015, Photograph: Portland Art Museum

This photograph by Wendy Red Star is interesting as it responds to existing photography surrounding the depiction of Native Americans. I love the contemporary twist along with the vibrancy that flows all around this image.