Rachel Elise Thomas (b. 1988) – Detroit, MI

I consider myself an interdisciplinary artist, designer, and archivist, working within lens-based approaches. In my practice, I am deeply committed to pushing the boundaries of photography in terms of its creation, presentation, and discourse. I employ collage, printmaking, sculpture, and site-specific installation to explore the intricate nuances of my personal identity. Through my work, I confront viewers with the uncomfortable realities of colorism, desirability, misogynoir, and biases, while also challenging conventional notions of beauty. This engagement fuels my exploration of the subject matter and the often-overlooked connections and insights within it. I draw extensively upon my personal and familial archives, including my collection of magazines from Black American publications such as Ebony, Essence, Jet, and Vibe—content that has been present in my family home for as long as I can remember.

Using research as a tool to enhance my practice, I investigate and question the historical context of being a Black American in this country. By comparing the past to the present, I reveal that despite superficial changes, many underlying issues, such as white supremacy, prejudice, consumerism, and beauty standards, remain persistent; these issues are simply repackaged and rebranded for a new era.