Hue Untitled: Samantha Everette

Exhibition Artwork

A photograph of a man smoking by artist Samantha Everette — *Brazen*
2019
Samantha Everette
Digital Photography
20" x 30"
$1250

A photograph of a small boy standing in front of a blue door of a brick building by artists Samantha Everette — *Soweto Baby*
2017
Samantha Everette
Digital Photography
20"x 30"
$850

A photograph of a woman with colorful thread wrapped in her hair by artist Samantha Everette — *Unicorn*
2018
Samantha Everette
Digital Photography
20" x 30"
$850

Artist Statement

BLACK: adj. relating or belonging to any of the various human populations characterized by dark skin pigmentation, specifically the dark-skinned peoples of Africa, Oceania, and Australia. relating to or noting the descendants of these populations, without regard for the lightness or darkness of skin tone.

RESPITE: n. a delay or cessation for a time, especially of anything distressing or trying; an interval of relief Black Respite is a repose from Whiteness and the unrelenting trauma of systemic oppression. From 2018-2019 I traveled to countries where the majority of the population looked like me. It was a luxury and privilege to immerse myself in Blackness. I danced in the streets, I met distant cousins and swam in Yemaja's oceans. I spent every day celebrating my Blackness and learning more about myself and my people. Everything that I experienced that year has left a lasting mark on my work. This collection of photos is a small glimpse into my Black Respite.

About the Artist

Samantha Everette is a lifelong artist, designer, world traveler and photographer. She is a Durham native and graduated Summa Cum Laude from North Carolina State with a BA in Industrial Design. Her photography journey started in college with study abroad course in Ghana. She traveled around the entire country with her instructor, fellow students and a Konica Minolta. After graduating Samantha spent ten years as a shoe designer. She designed for brands such as Jessica Simpson, Vince Camuto, Saks 5th Ave, Nordstrom and many more. As a designer, Samantha spent half of the year living in China and traveling throughout Asia. With over 70 international passport stamps already, Travel Photography seemed like the perfect career path. Unfortunately, Covid dashed all of these grand life plans. Instead of abandoning photography altogether, Everette found ways to explore her passion in her home town of Durham. Samantha is dedicated to photographing the beauty of those in her community. She is blessed to live in a culturally diverse city that is not lacking in beautiful Black faces. This past year Samantha's work has exhibited at Durham Art Guild Golden Belt, The Fruit (2x) and Artspace. Samantha has a knack for finding everyday people and capturing something extraordinary within them. Her work varies between travel, fashion, beauty and lifestyle. But one thing remains constant, and that is her dedication to celebrating Blackness.