Tschabalala Self on Identity, Southern Roots, and Artistic Sincerity
New York, NY – Artist Tschabalala Self emphasizes the importance of truthful self-portrayal and generous artistic practice, revealing a deep connection to her black American heritage and the cultural landscape of the American South in a recent interview with Fact Magazine.Self, known for her bold and layered paintings and prints exploring Black womanhood, discussed how her family history and a sense of imagined Southern origins inform her work.
Self, whose family hails from Homer, Louisiana, and Mississippi, identifies strongly with being Black American-an identity she feels is often overlooked. She notes a personal “fiction” surrounding her understanding of the South, having not grown up there herself, yet recognizing its profound influence on her family’s story and, consequently, her own. This exploration of identity, coupled with a commitment to artistic integrity, forms the core of her creative process.
“I feel like the South is really my origin,” Self stated. “The American South is a very different place culturally and physically than the north and the cities.” She also highlighted the importance of the Great Migration narrative within Black American identity, framing Louisiana and Mississippi as foundational locations for her family.
Beyond her artistic explorations,Self articulated a clear vision for her legacy: “Someone that was sincere and generous.” She stressed the importance of truthfulness in both life and artmaking, rejecting ”half truths” and advocating for a full commitment to one’s practice. “It’s really vital, especially in art making to not phone it in,” she explained, linking sincerity to a “generosity of spirit” in her work.
The full interview is available in Fact Magazine’s F/W 2023 issue.
