“I extract images, symbols, and maps to create visual codes that speak of Black American citizenry. I construct my prayer fans by mining mundane family photos; moments of joy, contemplation, autonomy, and domesticity. I then mine archives for images of American political cultural happenings, milestones, and policies that impact or interpret the original perceived narrative. The transparent compositions are then applied to laser cut masonite fans. The brown of the masonite acts as skin. I experiment with countering the deletion of Black Americans from narratives of Americana while playing with image deconstruction. The works display acts of faithfulness to “American Life,” despite the realities of negotiating a maze of institutional discriminatory practices such as redlining, economic isolation, and political and social inequality. The fans are memorials of Black American Citizenry.” - Tammie Rubin