THS SENIOR CREATES ART COLLECTION CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

A Turpin High School senior celebrated diversity with a special collection of artwork and poems she designed and wrote specifically for Black History Month. Talise Wallace created powerful images celebrating African-Amercian history and culture in her art classes at THS. The pieces are both visually interesting while educating the viewer on Black culture, historical figures, and the history of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.

“I chose to do these specific pieces to show how the Black culture is viewed in the eyes of society. I also wrote a poem for each sculpture to basically contradict the negative views of African-Americans,” Wallace said. 

The 17-year-old is currently in Advanced Placement Sculptures - Ceramics at Turpin. Her collection of art and poetry did not go unnoticed in class.  Wallace’s teacher, Emily Casagrande-Pike, found the work both aesthetically pleasing, as well as educational.

“I wanted to bring attention to the artwork of Talise Wallace, as she is creating really powerful artwork about Black Americans and herself,” Casagrande-Pike said. “She is creating a body artwork that revolves around her own poems that express her identity.”

Wallace’s photographs of historical figures coupled with powerful imagery, such as Black wrists in handcuffs, address some of the issues which Wallace feels need to be discussed more openly in order to educate. She also used quotes from famous figures regarding racial equality. Her work uses creativity and talent to promote inclusion, diversity, and understanding. These messages were particularly important for the Turpin senior to highlight during Black History Month.

“What Black History Month means to me is celebrating everything Black, from Black creators, Black inventions, TV shows and most importantly to show how much progress that we, the Black community, have made in regards to everything that has been thrown at us,“ Wallace said.