Rebecca M. Archer
Rebecca Archer is an African American-bi-racial mixed-media artist working in collage and acrylic. Rebecca is also a government attorney. She has been painting in one form or another since she was 12 years old, but it was the time with nothing to do during the pandemic that allowed her to launch an exploration of her talents that she had not previously had. She discovered collage and textile art and artists on Instagram who inspired and mentored her. Influences include Bisa Butler, Zsudayka Nzinga and Delita Martin.
“I am an attorney by trade and have an analytical mind. The act of collaging combines that analytical side with my love of color and faces. I love nothing more than working through how to render something in cut out paper or fabric, or other found or recycled materials. As the bi-racial black/Jewish daughter of American diplomats, I grew up moving all around the world which, in many ways, disconnected me from blackness in America even while it remained a big part of my identity. I have spent much of my adult life searching for how I can connect to that part of myself in a way that is authentic and honors all parts of me. I think, as a result, I am drawn to faces of women of color that leave you guessing as to what they are thinking, that leave you wondering about their untold story. When those faces are in the midst of festive surroundings/attire the mystery deepens and the possible stories expand. In my work I seek to show the beauty and variety of melanated skin and depict women of color in their strength, beauty and mystery."
"Taking Up Space"
This collaged mural "taking up space" is to honor the revolutionary act of Black women using their voices and bodies to take up space as their authentic selves. The revolutionary act of standing tall and making their presence known. The revolutionary act of being visible.
