“From Her Body Came Their Greatest Wealth”, Wall Street, New York, from the White Shoes series, Copyright Nona Faustine
New York has a reputation for being a melting pot, but it also has a strong history of slave trading. For her photo series, White Shoes, artist Nona Faustine wanted to call attention to that history and its enduring legacy.
“As a time traveler I’m very invested in the past and our future. I see myself, the people who built this city and country as one. They deserve so much recognition for their sacrifice and contributions, something that is still being denied them. There was a force deep inside of me that needed to pay homage to those who played a pivotal role in the early history of this city, and the spaces in which they existed. I wanted to uncover those places where a tangible link to the past exists. Being a documentarian at heart I wanted you to feel and see those spaces, let your mind wonder. What does a Black body look like today in the place where they sold human beings 250 years ago? No other medium but photography and film could do that. ”
“They Tagged the Land With Trophies and Institutions From Their Conquests”, New York City Hall, from the White Shoes series, Copyright Nona Faustine
Although American slavery is often painted as a Southern legacy, it was an integral part of the culture and economy of Northern states also, including New York;
“Slavery was introduced to Manhattan (then New Amsterdam) in 1626 and, for two centuries, remained a significant part of New York life. In fact, the New York City Common Council declared Wall Street the city’s first official slave market on December 13, 1711, deeming it a space where human beings could be enslaved for the day or for the week. The slave market took the shape of a wooden structure with open sides, and held approximately 50 people at a time. It operated as such, on the corner of Wall Street and Pearl Street in the heart of the Financial District, until 1762. Slavery was legally abolished in New York in 1827.”
“Over My Dead Body”, New York City Hall, from the White Shoes series, Copyright Nona Faustine
The use of women’s bodies for sociopolitical reasons is still very controversial, particularly for black women. Black woman protesters recently marched topless during San Francisco rush hour to draw attention to police brutality against black women, a move that drew both admiration and criticism.
As for Faustine, shedding her clothes publicly was both exhilerating and challenging;
“My eyes are wide open, and still I’m there and not there. My body is pumping with adrenaline. My anxiety is extremely high. During all that, you filter out as much abstractions as possible so that you can maintain some sort of composure for the camera as people, cars and buses go by. My senses are elevated. Sounds in particular I hone into. I have this feeling of being watched, by something or someone not actually there at times. I’m extremely aware of my presence in these places.”
“On This Spit Of Land Massa and I Reside”, Pre-revolutionary Dutch Cemetery, Brooklyn, from the White Shoes series, Copyright Nona Faustine
Faustine’s photo series was inspired in part by Saartjie “Sarah” Baartman, known as Venus Hottentot; a Khoikhoi African woman whose large buttocks and curvy figure were exhibited in freak shows throughout 19th century Europe.
As for the white shoes in Faustine’s photography, they represent “the white patriarchy that we cannot escape.”
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- From Her Body Came Their Greatest Wealth, Wall Street, New York, from the White Shoes series, Copyright Nona Faustine
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- Over My Dead Body, New York City Hall, from the White Shoes series, Copyright Nona Faustine
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- Even The Comfort of a Stone Would Be A Gain, Atlantic Coast, Brooklyn, from the White Shoes series, Copyright Nona Faustine
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- On This Spit Of Land Massa and I Reside, Pre-revolutionary Dutch Cemetery, Brooklyn, from the White Shoes series, Copyright Nona Faustine
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- Judgement Day, 60 Supreme Court, New York City, from the White Shoes series, Copyright Nona Faustine
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- Venus of Vlacke bos, from the White Shoes series, Copyright Nona Faustine
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- They Tagged the Land With Trophies and Institutions From Their Conquests, New York City Hall, from the White Shoes series, Copyright Nona Faustine
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- Like A Pregnant Corpse The Ship Expelled Her Into The Patriarchy
What do you think of the White Shoes photo series?
You can find Nona Faustine on Instagram and Facebook.
The point of the nakedness is what again??
slavery something something oppression black on black crime
Lol! Trolling hard for the money.
You mention black on black crime like you really care.….NOT.
All races tend to perpetrate crimes against their own but this illustrates white on black crime ( to put it mildly). If we can cope you should be able to handle it. She made you squirm. Good.
see what you fail to realize is that black on black crime is a side notation associated with being taught self hate all goes back to the root of the issue slavery plz go educate yourself
Lol! Trolling hard for no money. Hilarious!
White on white crime is just as high. As most crimes are committed by people of one race against members of their own race. Your argument in invalid.
Slaves were sold naked to show their physique.
Did you read the article…or did you just look at the photos? The article clearly states her intentions for this piece.
To get people to actually pay attention to her work. The photography “skill” here is severely lacking in terms of composition, lighting and aesthetic value. No one is going to look at her “art” for the sake of the art. However if you do it naked, you’ll get lots of attention directed to your work and your message.
This work is amazing. It made me cry. She looks scared yet she does this anyway. Hero.
I’m thinking the shoes are slightly too big to represent our people never being able to fit in the white patriarchy?
I am loving the boldness of my sisters
boldness? nobody wants to see that
Ur dumbass must have since you’re…um…here.
Yea, nobody wanted to be ripped away from their land, religion, loved ones, stuffed into the belly of ships, raped, beat, malnourished, enslaved..you get the point..but yet, my people got that..you dont want to see that because it reminds you of the evil that flows from your ancestor through you..kill yourself and do sonething positive for the world..end your curse
gross
Yes, it was and is gross that humans buy and sell other humans. Absolutely disgusting. She, however, is bold, powerful, beautiful and courageous.
Yeah, you are gross. Is trolling the internet paying off in self-esteem for you yet?
What’s the matter cupcake? Are you angry because despite the evil wickedness of your ancestors, this woman STILL RISE. You would never understand, that because you are the spawn of the lowest devils on the planet.…
Yes, selling nekkid slaves is gross…
Dude, WTF? Fuck you. Racist fuck.
i’m black. now what? am i supposed to think it’s okay or great because she’s black?
why do people think getting naked is so awesome or courageous or brave?
people are swayed by everything.
This sister is amazing!! Her boldness is refreshing. This wouldnt be the same or have the same power if she were a model shape.
I am appalled
What I am appalled at is the rights the Government and the Suprime Court has given to men being with men and women being with women. This sister is a true artist who seeks to bring to attention the real reason blacks are being oppressed and kills as if black lives doesn’t matter. This is a true expression of artistry that will live on for generation.
i assume you are black, seeing that you’re on a black-interest website. perhaps you should look into intersectionality. the suffering of LGBT people, while different than that of black people, is still suffering. its still wrong. its still unacceptable. and thank god, us gays have made considerable strides towards acceptance by society that blacks still have yet to achieve (sadly, as shown by the never ending examples of police brutality, for starters). and anyways, men marrying men and women marrying women have no impact on your everyday life. supremacy however, does. those in power who hate LGBT people tend to… Read more »
“you can’t change your skin color. i can’t change my sexuality.”
https://youtu.be/neEVoFODQOE?t=8m20s
I’m leaving this video here, because as someone who is both black and ID’s as part of the LGBT community, I want you to understand the two fights are similar, similar, but in no way shape or form the same. I think this video may help to better address what I’m trying to say.
The rest of your message has bits that I truly do agree with, no one should be mistreated, period.
I’m just sitting back enjoying these comments with some juice and popcorn.
Massa taught you real well, huh? http://76crimes.com/2014/01/30/21-varieties-of-traditional-african-homosexuality/
Kinda like your comment! Wouldya look at that…
Ha! So true. This is too real for these people.
Ha! So true. This is just too real for these people.
…and let me guess: you’re sitting at home super worried about her health, right? Don’t mask your hatred/disgust for what you see as “concern” to make yourself feel better or appear more righteous. You don’t have to like everything, or like her body…but just be honest and say that.
She has nothing to hide and nothing to be ashamed of. How many can say that? Empowering and liberating.
Damn straight.
She is amazing in expressing the power of a Black woman. Some say it’s a disgrace, but you are a disgrace for not knowing and realizing the true meaning of her display…
a black person who doesn’t appreciate this is not a disgrace. i mean, i hope you’re kidding.
Reread what they wrote. Because that is not what was said at all.
omfg — I hope you’re suffering from a serious head injury that would explain the stunning shallowness of your pitifully facile perspective.
Damn right.
Internet.. people talking about being ‘real’ under the veil of anonymity. If you don’t get this then of course this is not your reality. But the real shame is people like you denying other’s reality.
i promise, this work is not all that deep. i wish people would stop acting like it is.
Then make some of your own art instead of criticizing others, sockpuppet.
Lol! I promise that this is just your personal opinion. I wish people would stop acting like their viewpoint is the end all to be all. Hilarious!
Yeah, because you’ve obviously been living the reality of slavery, or maybe you haven’t. Apparently, evil, probably white people, have been denying you your delusion?
Lol! Another obsessed barnyard troll. Hilar!
We live the reality of over entitled nitwits who are too compliant to see they’re just the pale house n****** of a racist system to this day.
Least you could do is get your head out of the sand. They hate you too.
Oh it’s not black. This is just the typical, pathologically obsessed with black people barnyard troll in action. It’s been fed enough now.
.
” i contrasted it with the other low level, supposed art works in the same museum and just wanted to hurl.”–Lol!
This “supposed” art critic gave itself away with that one line.
Their incessant need to forget/silence/ignore anything about this country’s ugly past with slavery, because it makes them uncomfortable/ashamed is quite apparent–so trust–it got it!
Yep! Sista made them squirm, which is what great art does. It may not be in a museum. It’s performance art. Anyhoo, art is beauty and beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Lol! You’re a complete joke and so transparent. Just simply hilarious.
That took guts.….Why should she be ashamed? This is how her ancestors were sold. Naked
Its funny how people are saying gross and claiming no one wants to see it. Well I want to see it. She’s beautiful, her body is beautiful. If you don’t want to see it , then why click on the article to read and view it ? That makes you look like a simpleton for real. She’s bold and courageous. People are saying we want to be here and a whole bunch of other ignorant bs but it was the WHITE man that brought us here and before you I get negative comments about Africans selling other Africans, do your… Read more »
The first slave owner in the United States was an African American. He won a court case that set the precedent for slavery in the U.S. Anthony Johnson was his name. Learn history.
correction — He was the 1st BLACK slave owner NOT the 1st slave owner. There is a difference
http://www.mythdebunk.com/first-slave-owner-african-american/
BOOM. Headshot. Perfect comment. Nice one Ti’Yon.
I never really cared much for naked artist performances…I get the drift though.
Good for you.
My only disagreement is with the “patriarchy” stance. Slavery was not something that rich “white” men did by themselves without women, nor was Jim Crow the exclusive domain of men. Just about all “white” supremacists and those complicit are raised to be this way by their mothers. Under the current racist system, the only thing western style feminism has done for us is give us more opportunities to continue to take care of their children and clean their house for minimum wage or less, while they pursue their “liberation”. We don’t find any real freedom in that movement, and I… Read more »
patriarchy is not a while male invention. african men are not exactly known for being egalitarian when it comes to when. that’s a fantasy.
“patriarchy is not a while male invention.”–And where in her comment does she states that it was?!? Lol! Your deflection tactic is so transparent. But your black of course, so I’m sure this wasn’t the intent. Hilar!
reading is fundamental.
That’s a pretty brilliant comment to make. I’ve been shocked by how cruel women can be to women, and Western-style feminism is, as you say, so focused on making everything men-vs-women that it absolves the female element of oppression from existence, let alone examination. Really well said. Great stuff.
Great story behind the photos, terrible execution. Lighting is terrible. Is this person an actual photographer or someone who just claims to be because she owns a camera?
A powerful statement and a reminder of how deeply slavery was woven into America’s culture, politics and economy.
Damn right.
Nuts
This is amazing. Our ancestors were stripped of their dignity in every possible way, including being paraded before slave buyers naked. These photos show the indignity but also takes it back. Brava.
Exactly. Amazing stuff, brilliantly said.
Powerful. But I don’t suffer from white guilt.
yes just whiteness.
As a white person I approve this message.
good for you?
You don’t need to, just be aware of the privilege you have by being white, try not to take advantage of it.
What an odd thing to say?
Or human depth, apparently.
this is so chilling. moves me to action.
Brilliant.
Praises to you sister for being so brave demonstrating how it was when we were being sold like cattle!!!!!!!!
I disagree. While I applaud her for her message, this was really unnecessary and inconsiderate of mankind in general who viewed her, either in person or in pictures online. Bravery is not always worthy of being publicly hailed.
It really is amazing work.
So, the artist’s point is lost on you because you can only look at this one-dimensionally? I suppose, if she sported the same physique as her ancestors, who were bought and sold, you would have had no problem looking. It is easier to turn a blind eye when you can convince yourself there’s a valid reason for not being able to see. How very poignantly you represent the uncomfortable message the artist is making.
“How very poignantly you represent the uncomfortable message the artist is making”–This visceral and primal reaction that you’re seeing here, shows that it worked.
Kudos to her–mission accomplish.
Ha! You need more people.
i’m black. my ancestors stood on those auction blocks too. so…
it’s not that i don’t “get” it. it’s that i don’t think it’s as deep or profound or genius as many of you.
No…it’s clear that you don’t get it. Very clear. Or else the nakedness of her body would be a trivial matter in the grand schemed of the powerful message she is trying to convey.
As someone else mentioned, she would made a “fine wet nurse and/or breeder.” Those white slave masters would have been stumbling over themselves trying to outbid eachother.
Your skin may be brown, but you’re far, far away from African consciousness. You should know that conformity to “white” supremacy doesn’t make them like you more or consider you more human. In fact, you lose their respect when you disrespect your own people. Somewhere in the back or maybe front of your mind, is the voice of a “white” supremacist saying, “Good n*****, safe n*****.” Things happened. This artist is reenacting things that actually happened, just in a modern context. Your inability to accept what you are seeing does not make her a coward or immoral. It makes you someone… Read more »
lol.
i’m not african, i’m black american. and i have no idea with african consciousness is, considering that CONTINENT is so incredibly diverse.
i never called her a coward or immoral. and i don’t understand what my position has to do with being a self-hating or whitey-loving black person. i don’t have to like everything a black person produces, including this.
strange that you assume that because i don’t think she is clever that i believe in covering up the less pleasant aspects of history. hmmmm.
So there’s no room for different views? I too get the message but don’t find it particularly eye opening or moving.
This message is not for you.
Of course you would not be moved by an artistic reconstruction of the indignities and horrors perpetrated by your ancestors. If you were, that would mean that you actually have empathy.
My “ancestors” weren’t even in the US up until the early 1900s and they all settled in Brooklyn. My father didn’t move to North America till the 70s. His family is still back in Denmark. I was adopted from Colombia in 1982.
Oh?? Please tell me who my ancestors were…
Culturally erased people of European ancestry who sold out to be tools of the elite…but that didn’t work out so well for you because all that defending the elite and believing yourself to be superior didn’t work out well for you, keep your family together, keep your sisters from being whores, or make your mother love you more. So you’re angry and disenchanted, but instead of abandoning the mentality that makes you miserable, you look outside for solutions…who to blame that the fairytale you were sold did not come true. Since African American women seem like easy targets, you pick… Read more »
LOL. I just read through some of your postings in Disqus threads, and I’m surprised your avatar isn’t the stars and bars or a swastika. Your ancestors are the men that strung us up in trees when ever they felt threatened, as your brethren do now with our women in jail cells. Your ancestors visited countless violences on the bodies of our men, women, and children, not to mention our infants and unborn. Your people continue this “tradition”. Your ancestors supported and your people continue to uphold legislation that systematically puts almost everyone in our culture at a disadvantage from birth. Do… Read more »
Then you are welcome to pass on by because this was not done to heal you.
I’ll add that nobody expects or needs you to get it or to approve. Why you assume that everything is about you or done for you is part of the problem.
““white” supremacist saying, “Good n*****, safe n*****.””–Ha! These “supposed” cloaked in black bodies types, don’t even realize that they’re laughing at them just as hard as we are. It’s truly comical to watch self-hatred in full glory.
YASS!! and in this moment I feel so liberated. I pay homage to you! #whyIloveblackwomen
Good man.
Awestruck. Incredible art, and story, and artist.
Exactly. Amazing work here.
wow. thats rude. you are not even understanding what ancestors mean huh? he did not do anything and should not be blamed for what a select few did, also blacks owned slaves in Africa.
You have no name for a reason. Apparently you are the one that don’t know what ancestors mean. Blacks having slaves in Africa, and whites having slaves in America are totally to different things. The blacks in Africa were not responsible for the vile and heinous treatment of Americans slaves. Europeans also owned Europeans slaves and the the same goes for slave ownership in most countries, so why should Africa be any different? The difference with you people are that you decided to go into other countries to enslave their people…Typical of satan…
The White man didn’t start slavery, but he did end it, at great expense to himself, which is more than we can say for some peoples. BTW, learn to properly use the English language and our communication media before you post again.
By the way, in America the “select few” as you call them, were all white Americans. So cut the bs with the select few
you know, i just finished reading, “the half that has never been told”. so, this slave history, etc. is actually fresh in my mind. i’m actually quite into slave history right now. i love reading about it and learning about it. perhaps this is why i look at this and feel so unmoved and unimpressed by what i see. what i read in that book was a whole lot more moving and impressive. i don’t find these enlightening at all. i find them self-indulgent. if i want to learn more about the experiences of black americans as portrayed in art, the… Read more »
Lol! Sweetheart, it’s not what was said, but how it was said. You keep giving yourself away. Your tone and remarks, makes your attempt to shame this quite apparent.
You may not be “easily impressed” but your need to “impress” others of this, is what makes reading you so easy.
What’s truly weird is that you forgot to add that you have black friends too.
“i’m actually quite into slave history right now.”
That sounds mighty close to something else. Regardless, there are many different types of art, be it in books, photography, music etc. Why does this particular piece have you up in a tizzy? If you feel it’s “not art” then why are you even viewing it? Why does it seem in the various comments you’ve left that you are trying incredibly hard to discredit this? What personal issue, bc it does appear to be a personal issue, do you have with this artist? It seems to go beyond this piece.
What a powerful piece. Isn’t it ironic now that black women are castigated for having “too many” children, when our bodies and their issue were once the REAL source of white American wealth? What is “valuable” in one context is demonized in another. Although the intersections of color, gender, and American economics continue to be too troubling for many to discuss with honesty, this artist has brought honesty (and controversy) to the table. Brava to her for putting “history” into context.
Continuing to be dependent on the government for your livelihood, ie. welfare is to keep one’s self in slavery. This kind of slavery comes in many colors!
real source of American wealth? and you built the pyramids and invented everything too, that’s why Africa is so great today
The south has NEVER recovered from the loss of their most valuable resource.
It just sounds like it challenges all of your white supremacist indoctrination and makes you uncomfortable so you try to intellectualize it with pretentious condescension… but what do I know? I could be wrong
No you’re not wrong. This simpleton is desperately trying to convince everyone that they’re not white. As if that makes a difference when it comes to their ignorance.
You are not wrong at all.
perhaps you should look up the artwork known as “venus of willendorf”. large women have been celebrated for their appearances in the form of art for millennia.
ill save you some time. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_of_Willendorf
I just can’t get behind this. The boldest anti-racist, anti-slavery statement that I can make is to show success and triumph, not to look back to slavery. This is not helping black women, IMO. No offense to the artist.
You are absolutely right, this will have no impact on this society now or the one to come.
Penny,
Sorry to tell you this but this woman has already made an impact. The proof is the conversation happening at this moment. Thank you contributing. Art always has an impact on society. That is why they kill the artists first during the initial phases of a genocide. I look forward to the seeing artist who can make this statement without the white shoes.
You will have no impact on this society, now or the one to come.
i wouldn’t say it isn’t having an impact. i think it is clear by some of the comments here that some people have certainly been impacted. you have no idea how that will manifest it self now or in the future. just because you are short sighted doesn’t mean that everyone else is also.
why? we forget history at our peril.
Agreed–seems like a lot of these posters don’t actually frequent this site, if you catch my drift. Hit dogs will holler.
I’m a retired inner city TEACHER. I taught my students all about slavery & how our ancestors were treated and that the best way to honor them is to know their history & TO BE SUCCESSFUL ! To ignore pop culture nonsense about paying attention to what people look like, nasty degrading rap music , cursing, booty songs , & pants on the ground. They should study their history & USE THEIR MINDS !! I can’t see why so many people think this woman walking around naked takes courage& makes a powerful statement. You can see naked & half naked… Read more »
That’s just a really shallow way of looking at this entire thing.
That is my opinion also. I dont see really what is the point on doing this. First of all, why look back at slavery? We have to deal with the slavery that is in the present and that exists only in our minds. If we want to end it, we got to start with ourselves first. Plus… I honestly believe going nude is disrespecting your own self worth and respect. This,nuditity only serves the purpose of attention to self.
Yep! Sista made them squirm, which is what great art does. It may not be in a museum. It’s performance art. Anyhow, art is beauty and beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
WOW powerful artistry!!!
Art is a diverse range of human activities and the products of those activities, usually involving imaginative or technical skill. Art may be characterized in terms of mimesis (its representation of reality), expression, communication of emotion, or other qualities.
Wow. Powerful.
I don’t know how i feel about this. On the one hand, “the people you see nekkid, are never the ones you WANT to see nekkid, LOL.” Being a fellow fat person, I have body issues, I am pretty sure this woman battles. It was pretty brave, knowing how hateful people can be to fat people for just existing with their clothes ON. On the other hand, this is powerful for me personally. My people were founders of New Jersey and Massachusetts. I don’t know if they were slave holders. They quite possibly could have been. I hope not. My furthest… Read more »
Slavery is, and was, a very bad thing, so I hate to be the one to inject the history lesson, but a very large percentage of slaves bought and sold in New York were, in fact, Irish… and a lot of slaves were men.
http://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/irish-the-forgotten-white-slaves-says-expert-john-martin-188645531–237793261.html
Bigg difference between American slavery and indenture servitude. No where in the history of this Earth as slavery been as barbaric, ruthless, gruesome, and disgusting as the enslavement imposed on Africans. Furthermore, no other slavey benefitted other racial/ethnic groups and built an entire ecomonic system worldwide like the enslavement of Africans. So, keep your “his”-story lesson, and let’s not downplay the enslavement of 100+ million people, shall we? People in this coubtey have been doing it for too long and it’s insulting.
In fact they were, but nothing reaches the exponential “large number”, nor the duration of time that Africans were enslaved. Additionally, the Irish were not under the system of chattel slavery.
you don’t know jack
I think the irish can remember and honor their own slaves.
And a lot of internet commentators are desperate to sound like they have something relevant to say because their lives are pointless and they have nothing to offer a world that treats them, rightly, as irrelevant.
That my friend is a complete myth.
http://www.academia.edu/9475964/The_Myth_of_Irish_Slaves_in_the_Colonies
Stop. The Irish were indentured servants, a far cry above slavery. The difference is that while we were getting our backs split open for not working fast enough, the Irish men you refer to were doing the splitting. Please show me photos of Irish people having their children fed to alligators. Show me pictures of Irish men with ropy whip scars across their entire bodies. Show me Irish women with their heads forcibly shaved or scarred bald from punishment in the form of lye.
You can’t. Have a seat.
True (or at least indentured servants). The only difference is that the Irish were still white. When black and white slaves were freed in NYS, the Irish were still at a higher social level than blacks were.
Because this somehow takes away from the reality of black slavery. SMH.
And your point is? She isn’t saying that all slaves in New York were black. She is simply making a statement about the ones who were.
Very powerful pictures. Brava to the artist for having the courage to do these pictures.
Nasty looking body, and what impact will this really make??
A Beautiful body, a beautiful mind, beautiful intention. you with a nasty soul, remove yourself from judgment and see the bigger picture or speak not at all. ones like you drive hatred in this already struggling world.
Yes this is art. Dosent matter what one person deems negative talking about her body is irrelevant. It’s her message, her fearlessness, tenacity. Her body style is not the point. There is always one who messes things up for everybody else.
First off there is no wrong way to have a body, so good job with that on-point judgmental middle-age middle-class white bitch act.
Second do you not watch the news? Do you know that the Jim Crow era ended but racism and DENIAL of racism are still writhing around like a swarm of maggots in shit?
Art is directly reflective and influential on culture. Something you would not be aware of considering your view of art is probably the mass produced prints at Target, that are made by slave labor.
Have a nice day in your white patriarchal mindset.
That woman has more beauty, strength and integrity than you will ever know. Shame on you! And if you have to ask, you don’t get it and it’s not for you to understand.
YESSS!!!!
Makes lots of impact. A lot of people have been blessed with the truth after reading this article. You are seeing with narrow eyes. So sad.
Amen! Some people rather be lead like sheep than open to look past the superficial and find the true message
exactly!
Do you realize that your photo is being viewed by others? Your face doesn’t look any better than her body…
Not sure why you are bothering with looking at theses photos Penny, and then take the time to comment …you should talk about why you find a need to be a voyeur of large women at your next appointment with your therapist.
This proves absolutely nothing except that she walked around naked. Sojourner Truth & Harriet Tubman did a much better job ‚that’s why we remember them & hopefully see Harriet on a $20 bill.. This women will be laughingly forgotten before week’s end. EPIC FAIL !
Read your history books hpney. Slaves were often sold naked to prove their health, child bearing ability, etc. Study up girl!
It will make her look like an over weight woman with not dignity or pride.
It will make her look…? You mean “I THINK it will make her look…” Acting like your horrible opinion is the consensus…she still has a great body, probably much better than yours…and yes her dignity and pride is intact because she didn’t do it for views like Rihanna or some other video whore…sorry to break it to you but this won’t make Yahoo or the front page…it was done for reflection and for everyone to admit, confront and realize the truth that Wall Street and other such places were built off the backs of slaves who looked more or less… Read more »
you are so awful for saying that. obviously you don’t know the great impact that COURAGE can make because you don’t have any!
Your response is an impact. You exposing yourself for the unconscious fool that you are is an impact.
Nasty Penny. Look in the mirror.
Nasty looking soul you have there. Please exit the comment section. There is a door to your left. Don’t let it hit your ass on the way out. Thank you and I would say have a great day but in the end I wouldn’t really mean it.
nice penny. way to body shame. i would rather have her body, than your nasty, hateful attitude. slaves were paraded around naked when they were being sold. i found it very profound her standing in the place, where women would have been standing hundreds of years ago, to be sold as property. and it is obvious by your statement, that for people like you, this will make no impact. how sad.
Rather have a ‘nasty’ body than a nasty soul.
Slavery has been around from the beginning of time, you need to read some history books.
yes. poor white people. they need to be included too. white people have suffered the most. white pain is the most important.
good excuse for the inhumane ancestors u came from
American slaveholders were evil,murderous and took slavery to a whole new level because of their greed and feelings of superiority. no where in the world was slaves treated as they were here.…
You need to shut your mouth until you have something to say that doesn’t mark you out as sickening, screeching scum.
Penny, does that somehow make it OK? Does its long time existence somehow negate the impact slavery had on the US, primarily those here of African descent?
Did you seriously come to this article to try to justify THE most shameful part of white American history by saying it’s always existed? The whites who enslaved people, and allowed other whites to enslave people, WERE inhuman and cruel. Why don’t YOU read a history book instead of embarrassing yourself.
He (Anthony Johnson) was not the first slave owner. He was the first “Black” slave owner. He himself was a slave before gaining his own freedom. Oh and one of the five slaves he bought was his own son. This was quite common for free slaves to buy their own family, if they could.
forget the slave trade we need to reinstate the New Bedford whaling industry
That was incredibly insensitive and rude.
Coward. You post a cheap insult, and won’t even sign it because you can’t stomach being called out on it.
lol
Brave and amazing! For those who think she’s “nasty” looking ‑we see in others what we see in ourselves.
Exactly, you should try it.
Right up there with William Pope L. and Kara Walker.. this bold beautiful vulnerable genius woman, Nona Faustine.
When are women gonna get over this dumb idea that they need to strip naked to prove something about the human body or to get some point across?. Some teen guys just made rude remarks about this woman’s body, just like they did about all those topless black women marching a few weeks ago. The point they’re trying to make is totally LOST because folks are looking at their bodies. Any fool with half a brain should be able to figure that out. Shows how women have been brainwashed to think they have to use their bodies & sexuality to… Read more »
You missed the entire point if you think her nudity is a display of sexuality.
I see it as a useless display of nudity that will be forgotten for its lack of real substance. There’s been nothing else written about her since the summer.A curiosity & a flash in the pan,then gone. However,they’re still talking about Michelle Obama who’s been encouraging black kids to go to college, ballerina Misty Copeland is in a Broadway show, Viola Davis is still burning up the screen in HTGAWM & Cecily Tyson plays her mom, Marian Anderson & Audra McDonald are still inspiring young women singers, Harriet Tubman has been suggested for possibly being on a $10 bill &… Read more »
You cannot judge her, she is a very brave woman. Don’t judge others.
The display of nudity is not to convey the concept of sexuality, but the concept of vulnerability.
Hmm, smells like Hotep.
Your post just proved how ignorant folk are.
I love her bravery, at the end of the day art is meant to be controversial and a platform that challenged the “status quo.” I support freedoms of expression that ignites critical thinking and dialogue. So many of us are so wrapped up in superficial bullsh*t and being prim and proper aka “plastic.” This woman is an ARTIST and art isn’t meant to be censored or packaged in a way that’s neat and easy for everyone to stomach. Art is provocative and uncomfortable and in your face! Thank God for people like her who still have a damn pulse and… Read more »
What’s uncomfortable about her pictures?
Well if you think about the history of selling slaves, they were usually naked to show their strength or childbearing ability or other $ making issues. Being naked ABSOLUTELY means something here.
Shame on you
Wow, you are clueless as to the real point in this. Shame on you.l
You are an idiot, you just proved it to the world.
And you look like an uneducated fool
Please stop proving your ignorance!!!
I actually think the message is powerful BUT in this day and age being 2015, most people will not pick up the message as it was intended to be, they will focus on the visionary being the (her) body issues and the (so-called) issues “they” have with why and how she exposed her body. In those days, bought and sold slaves did NOT have a choice as to whether they wanted to be fully exposed or not.…it was forced upon them to be naked and I believe everybody (today) KNOWS that. I don’t think she needed to ‘recreate’ that visionary… Read more »
You can be knowledgeable about both histories. I’m not ashamed to have ancestors that were slaves. I’m proud to be their descendant. We need to do a much better job of honoring and remembering them as they truly were. White history keeps them largely nameless and faceless on purpose and when we “put it behind us and move on”, we are desecrating their memory like we’re supposed to do. Taking an AA history class was life changing for me. I actually find black people who are the least informed to suffer from slave mentality the most.
You are the one who is ignorant I may not agree with her but she has the right to do this.
You loo fat yourself , so you’re you to call someone fat????
@Stormy Gabriel … You look fat yourself, so who are you to call someone fat ??????
If you are embarrassed by this article then you should also be embarrassed about slavery and how inhumane it was. What you see is what blacks got during slavery. Butt naked and striped of ones humanity.
Oh please, stop being ignorant.
She’s an American, commenting on American slavery.
When and where was this poor woman enslaved? It’s quite brave of her to stand up to her captors, but the government needs to know where the slave operations are in New York right now so they can put an end to it. If there’s some Somali pirates or something over there we should really know about it.
Shut up fool
She’s making a statement about the history of her community and pointing out that slavery’s legacy continues today in the form of white supremacy.
I never approve of nudity in publiv for any reason. Also nudity has been overdone.Everybody and their grandmother has gotten naked to prove a point. It’s lost its impact. Yes slaves were sold naked but was there no other more creative way to express that vulnerability? Think outside the box: “they were naked so I’ll be naked”- is a very short thought process. I also think conversations about slavery is all we ever seem to have nowadays. Is there no other worthwhile topic? how about more on the civil rights era. more on the uplifting people who helped end slavery or… Read more »
An activist set himself on fire not too long ago. That gained a lot of attention, so I think that might be a good idea to raise awareness and make a point.
it made a deep enough impact on you to write a paragraph about it…
yeah but only black lives matter.… so peddle that bs somewhere else..
I thought you were being sarcastic. You DO believe that “only Black lives matter?” I find your candor refreshing. If I’ve misunderstood I apologize.
Your calling viewing her pics an atrocity? Real nice 🙁
Where are all the bruthas? LOL–most comments are from women.
Er, last time I saw, they were off/busy pursuing their white gods.
The whole point of her doing the photos was for the images to stick and be around for people to see.
During Trans-Atlantic slave trade, over 12.5 million blacks were shipped. 2.5 million died on the way. I don’t know what you are trying to prove.
I’m just pointing out interesting historical facts. Slavery was horrible and thankfully it was abolished. What Europeans did to Sub-Saharan Africans was ten times worse (literally) than what was done by North Africans to Europeans. But was that because the Europeans were ten times more wicked than Africans? Maybe they were just more organized and effective in their slave trade. You see, I was taught by my schools and the popular culture to believe that White people and White Americans in particular are uniquely cruel and selfish. It is only in recent years that I discovered that this is not the case.… Read more »
Perhaps you need to walk a mile or two in a black person’s shoes to understand the insidious nature of the cruelty they and their ancestors have experienced. Stop trying to level the playing field — it really isn’t ever going to be level.
Wrong.Over 100 million died on the way!
Amazing!
You get to reflect on your ancestors why can we do the same? You were curious about it so you stopped and read. Dont be rude or ridiculous.
Peace and blessings!
what. in what world is white on white crime just as high. blacks are 13 percent of the population and commit 50 percent of all crime.
She needs to got to the most recent one… Algiers 1908… Where the Muslims sold off the last of the 12 million Europeans descended from Muslim African Barbary pirate’s slaves… Or to Mauritania where Africans continue to buy and sell other Africans…
American Slavery is the topic, not what Muslims, Hitler, British, Germany, or any other country did. What was done in this country is the issue.
No “liberal”? So you hear conservatives complaining about it?
You’re attempting to distract from the ongoing legacy and telling people what they should prioritize in their activism, or else their activism isn’t legitimate? Yeah, you’re a fucking dope.
Seriously, what is up with saying “This is worse, so that isn’t a problem at ALL?”
The point isn’t to call attention to obesity nor female nudity, it’s to call attention to THE SLAVES. THE SLAVES were stripped of their clothing, and their DIGNITY.
I think we should focus more on restoring our dignity as women. This is not the way. We really need to get out of a past, keep our clothes on, and move through life with intellect and grace a lot more.
This very courageous , it’s art to be celebrated. Real Art !
Right on, woman. You go! #patriarchy #feminism
Don’t drag your stupid white feminism into our black movements. Your feminism ignore WoC. What makes you think we want anything to do with it. No this is WOMANISM!
what the fuck is wrong with you.…
She’s overreacting to something that is a real issue for black women: the complete ignorance of the issues we face that are the result of intersection of race, sex, and gender. Mainstream feminism tends to ignore Black women. Sometimes, it even antagonizes and degrades us further.
However, that reaction was a bit harsh.
Well said.
The way you worded your comment was unnecessary. I’m glad the person who replied you gave a calm, concise reply.
Your language usage is poor, and unfortunate, but I agree with the sentiment.
Just because she is white does not preclude her from appreciating the nature and power of this — or any — art, and her support of it. Isn’t that the purpose of the piece? To reach EVERY ONE. If it was only meant for black eyes, the point of the series would be lost. It’s meant to open EYES — ALL of them — especially white eyes to the black and female black condition and history. The fact that white people are the ones most likely to be unaware of past and present oppression should make her support even more… Read more »
Your usage of “we” is offensive. You certainly don’t represent me, or my opinions. Take responsibility for your own reactions, hatred and aggression. Check your pronouns. Use “I.”
I wrote quite a long piece in your defense, and that of white feminists everywhere, but to my horror, it was deleted when I tried to post it.
At any rate, thank you for your support. I was appalled to see you attacked in such a manner. If feminists of ALL creeds and colors do not unite, we will never overcome patriarchy.
Thank you for posting this scholarly article. I’m definitely using it.
You don’t understand something, so you go for the most superficial thing your pea brain can get to. African women were stripped of their clothing in order to try and strip them of their dignity and their pride.
Maybe you should take some time and read about third wave feminism and recognize that feminism without intersectionality isn’t true feminism.
Its a form of protest.
Are you remedial? This piece is not about aesthetics or fitness. Your faux concern is misplaced.
Let me guess: You have a body like she does, thus the faux anger at my statement, right?!
She is making a statement about the history of slave trade. Focus on what she’s trying to communicate and don’t distract from an important message with irrelevant concerns. If you don’t want black women to be thought of as overweight and unhealthy, then work on that, and talk about that…in a place where it’s actually the topic of the discussion.
I can move through life with intellect and grace and be naked.
Never forget it but don’t DWELL on it either
that’s always easy to say for some.
You mean like no one dwells on the Holocaust? Or 9/11?
Since when has subscribing to respectability politics been helpful for Black people? MLK wore suits, and that didn’t stop our government from killing him.
And why should Black people always have to excel past average to matter? I see average, non-overachiever White people doing just fine everyday. What is wrong with Black people wanting the same?
When will we not be required to prove ourselves worthy?
What’s wrong with this method? All of the others (writing, painting, sculpting, drawing) are a bit overdone, don’t you think? And for the last time (so many of us keep reiterating this), she’s naked because that’s how female slaves were sold. To insist that she be clothed in any format takes away from the message: slave women had their heritage and dignity stolen, and were given zero credit for their contributions to American society.
I find her spirit inspiring and her artwork masterful!
[…] Shoes” series. The photo is captioned From Her Body Sprang Their Greatest Wealth. This blog post offers commentary and the explanation that Faustine “posed nude at former New York City slave […]
I didn’t see your original comment. I don’t know what issue you have with the blog owners. I’m not defending them because I barely read this site and don’t know any of them. I sense you have serious issues with black women, and that’s why I addressed you. It’s very telling that you spoke of black women in the third person in your other comment that I replied to. You seem confused about the difference between private and public (government-run). A private blog is a blog that is privately owned and funded. If taxpayers didn’t pay for the establishment of… Read more »
[…] custody. Support your local Planned Parenthood and Reproductive Justice efforts in your community. Remember the history of race and slavery in our country. Take all seven steps Black Girl Dangerous spells out for you. Show Up for Racial […]
What a body!
Yes, she is wonderful and bright. She is a Zolotaya Baba with chocolate hue, glad you agree.
thats right, you dumb ass!
No she couldn’t because there was no other way… Being jarred by her naked physical appearance in the middle of Manhattan, should lead you to consider the sight of hundreds of naked Africans in those same places. You should consider what that would look like and how socially acceptable it was.
You really missed the boat on this. If you look back in history slaves were stripped naked to be sold. Her nudity only bought every part history together. Take a closer look at each photo and ask yourself, Why the white shoes? They could’ve been any color. But yet she chose white. Hmmmmm, the nudity represented everything taken, stolen and missed used and the shoes represents what was pure and free and where it was placed. Take a deeper look into history before you try to find something to complain about.
yes some people can’t handle everything and are not on the same level. some of us still have to mature and grow to see the meaning of things and sadly some will never get there in their lifetime. I think her art piece and the entire concept was great and brave and strong more power to her…
This is not about today’s societal standards.. the piece is about slavery. Her weight has nothing to do with it. It may be a negative stereotype but there are overweight black women in the world and there were overweight slaves.
Wow! That’s powerful!
Thank you for posting this story.
I am tearing up. This is absolutely beautiful and raw. Always and a reminder to look in the past, present, and future, because history repeats itself.
[…] we think of the South as the hub for selling slaves, New York was fully involved in slave trading,?Faustine […]
“…Faustine’s photo series was inspired in part by Saartjie “Sarah” Baartman…”
To liken this series of photos to Sarah Baartman’s ordeal is a discredit to the cruelty that Baartman and every other slave has suffered. Where is the artistic or historic value in freely exhibiting the same behaviors that was forced onto your unwilling ancestors?
Show’s how every little you actually know about history and the truth (regardless of what your Disquis name is) “What’s wrong with this method? All of the others (writing, painting, sculpting, drawing) are a bit overdone, don’t you think? And for the last time (so many of us keep reiterating this), she’s naked because that’s how female slaves were sold. To insist that she be clothed in any format takes away from the message: slave women had their heritage and dignity stolen, and were given zero credit for their contributions to American society.”
She did this for attention for herself, we’ve never heard of her before for any of her other work. This does not advance black culture thus no power, money, positive influence is gained for us. She willingly did wat baartman was forced to do, you dont display your body women/men even for art. I will take these actions as a mistake, & it is inevitable that we all will make them. Nona please find other ways/techniques to teach our African history that not only tells the story but also teaches us to advance. Please place a higher value for yourself &… Read more »
I thought the same thing at first and I highly object to the overuse of the term “curvy” to mean fat or overweight, HOWEVER this is such a powerful statement she’s making. And I suspect if she was a Victoria Secrets model looking woman, her statement would have been lost as people discussed her body versus her message (but then again, it’s still happening, so maybe that’s irrelevant, too). I do wonder how many slave women would have been as overweight as many modern American women are today. Does this represent the body types back then or just today? At… Read more »
I used to feel bad about how I looked naked.
USED to…
I am just not a fan of naked art then my husband says I am not a fan of fart art. What? Did he just say that ok this article has run its course.
Great piece. I have almost the same body structure & I admire her bravery.
wow any more info about him?
Quite a lot! Dad has traced him back to North Carolina. We might even be able to find some long lost relatives.
I’ve been thinking of your question and all day and waited until i could get to a computer. He was freed and he and his family went to Nova Scotia. Apparently he could read or write and there is some question whether or not he was a teacher. From Nova Scotia, he left his family of 8 children behind and presumably a wife, and he went to Mauritius (and that’s the family legend that he was Mauritian. We all assumed the family was trying to hide some First Nation Australian scandal. but they weren’t! this was NEVER a secret. My… Read more »
Wow that is amazing!! thanks for sharing! Where did you find the records of his travels from. I also have ancestors that can be traced back to early 1800 N.C.
Well, a lot of was just known. My dad has traced him back because there are actually written records, it’s not hard apparently! We’ve found more of his relations in australia (hilariously we all seem to be “white” with darkish skin — NO ONE has curly hair, damnit) and there should be relations in Nova Scotia as well. We could be related to the Mayor of Detroit as he has the same name albeit spelled slightly differently. Dad just followed the paper trail. I want dad to contact the Mormans as well as well as watch Dr Henry Louis Gates’… Read more »
This comment was removed by the commentator before. I guess the truth hurts too much. This woman is still a slave — a slave to perpetuating an antiquated memory that screams at an innocent modern society. The rest of us have moved on, while she is stuck in self pity and recrimination. ‘Black woman’ or just a woman, what is it going to be?
“Moved on?” are you kidding?
[…] Pra saber mais ainda (em inglês) […]
This right here is the definition of boldness !!!
[…] do you think of Faustine’s series – extreme or not? You can read the full story here. Source: […]
This was pointless and disgusting.
I’m unable to see past her weight. She really needs to lose the weight. It’s just too unhealthy to be like that.
Well, back in the slave days (and still in some places) some would say this “heifer” would make a mighty fine wet nurse and/or breeder. Her price would be around the equivalent of buying a new car today.
Getting the point yet?
I’m really sorry that you can’t see the beauty and courage in her actions. Your statement is judgmental. And unnecessary.
i’m sorry but this is so…well, not something i want to look at. i know that people nowadays believe that anything goes. people will say, ‘stop body shaming, fat shaming, woman shaming, black shaming, expression shaming, cellulite shaming, feeling shaming, shame shaming, thug shaming, blah blah blah. does anyone believe in drawing a line at all? i must be the only one who finds these displays annoying, unhelpful, attention-seeking, and a little sad. i mean great, she’s a fat black woman (who takes pride in all three i supposed), who goes around butt naked to pose for pictures and calls it art.… Read more »
So you didn’t get it. That’s probably because she is the stalk opposite of who your ancestors were…Don’t worry, no one is going to shame you for being the beneficiary of her ancestors pain.
It’s not as much about being proud as it is being honest. We’ve been told for hundreds of years that we are ugly no matter what we do or how much we weigh. Our bodies have always been a spectacle for “white” people.
Women of all ages and sizes were still stripped down and sold on the block. If you only want to see the “pretty” ones, that’s your sick fantasy, not the reality.
Lol! You’re a complete joke and so transparent. Simply hilarious.
Thumbs up x10000. I think our culture has become politically correct to a fault.
So is your definition of ‘real art’ Alexander Calder?
When Kim Kardashian shows her fake big ass it breaks the internet. This out of shape woman does something to bring light to slavery and you call this narcissism?
No this lady is not pleasant to look at but neither was slavery.
Just out of curiosity. Was she arrested for doing this, or she had a permit?
awesome series. people do forget that the north was built on the land of ndns and the backs of slaves. so I am glad she is bringing this back to the forefront in her way.
i wrote this long, passionate, angry piece about the pain I feel when I see black women being sold back on the block but instead of chains, designer names, instead of .… Here I go again. My dream is for enough of us to be awakened and strengthened to say “no more”.
A stark reminder of the atrocities our ancestors were forced to endure. I applaud her courage and convictions.
POWERFUL!! Black Women Rock!! <3
I felt pain seeing these. It felt present. I had questions, but they are irrelevant to the imagery displayed here.
No
nothing short of amazing. This gave me pause and perspective.
Absolutely love the bold statement. Black woman in its rarest form taking back the image that was meant to ridicule and debase. I applaud her
Amazing… So creative and bold! Unapologetic and moving.
Thank you
It’s one of the most amazingly dignified things I’ve seen a person do. It’s also great how it calls the worms out of the woodwork — people who snicker and laugh do not detract from her, but betray their own shallowness as people, and in so doing make her work even more important.
She walked the walk in those white shoes! How many whites would walk the walk in a pair of black shoes?
that’s just racist
How many indeed.
Depends. Are we talking before or after Labor Day?
Brilliant is so many ways!
Amazing and powerful. That so many trolls feel compelled to try and tear her down only makes the statement and impact stronger. I’m not surprised that so many people are threatened by this.
Exactly. This is a beautiful woman doing something beautiful and brilliant.
Could have been better if the photographs were shot right.
All woman are beautiful no matter the size, But come on.
If you can’t have talent, have shock value.
Courageous or Crazy???!!!
I gather it depends on who is beholding…
I am beholding, and I think it is downright Crazy…I don’t care what point she is trying to make!!!
Just like you cannot ever unsee this, you can never delete it when you place it out in cyberspace…
These picture will be around long after she does not exist in the realm of the living…Nevertheless, her grandchildren will be able to view them forever!!!