While taking my 2D Digital Foundations class at Spelman College, I decided to apply my learned skills in the real world; I entered into an art competition hosted by Teach for America, which I found via Handshake: "The Teach for America HBCU Recruitment Team is excited to be hosting our first HBCU Digital Art Competition. We want this competition to empower our HBCU student leaders to create a digital image that represents the beautiful culture of love, unity, and pride that drives the HBCU community." - Teach for America. Luckily, I was named the Grand Prize Winner for creating exactly what they were looking for. My artist statement for the piece is stated below:
**Disclaimer: I do NOT own these images**
Artist Statement: HBCU Love
By Milan Rozier from Spelman College, C’25
For my submission to the HBCU Love Art Competition hosted by Teach for America, I aimed to showcase the diverse history of HBCU love and how its beautiful culture of love, unity, and pride drives the HBCU community as a whole. To bring this vision to life, I artfully crafted a photo collage in the nostalgic style of an old scrapbook. Through thoughtfully curated images that evoke the essence of embracing togetherness, I achieved the effect of photos expertly cut out and creatively overlapped. The vintage aesthetic, enhanced by a warm yellow tint and subtle aging marks, captures the enduring spirit of HBCU culture. Furthermore, the inclusion of elements like the vibrant band culture and the dedication to academic excellence add depth to the narrative. My collage becomes a visual testament, capturing the timeless essence of HBCU love that unites generations in celebration and shared pride.
Overall, even in this constantly changing world we live in, HBCU love remains an endless source of strength, joy, and steadfast support. It is my hope that my collage not only pays tribute to this remarkable culture but also inspires a profound sense of pride and connectedness among all who view it. Thank you!
