The Artwork of Bushmama Africa
Greetings
My artist name is Bushmama Africa. I chose this name in 1996 after deciding that I wanted my name to personify something outside of my self, something natural, something connected to the source of life. Since everything we need medicinally comes from the bush I wanted to be associated with health and healing. My belief is a mama is the essence of Goddess work therefore I had to claim that. Africa was added in 2003 after learning about the Africa Family with the film" Move". I joined solidarity with the family after screening "Move" for The Oakland Hip Hop Film Festival that I created with Kevin Epps. Meeting Romona Africa changed my life. It was Romona who helped me see how after 400yrs our government continues to prey on Black People who want true liberation and freedom. The name Bushmama Africa has followed me into theaters and venues all over the bay area where I've hosted or produced or performed. I continue to perform but this page is dedicate to my art work.
I started to paint seriously around 2004 and since then I discovered that art is truly healing work for me. I get lost in the work and once its done I'm always surprised at what comes out. It's clear to me that I'm channeling spirit when I work. My goal is to produce positive images of brown folks. My influence lately has been Afrodiasporic Deities, African Religion, Afro futurism and Afro Sci-fi. My love for mixed media and collage is now forming into assemblage. I plan on mixing several forms into my new work. I look forward to sharing what I produce next.
*I do commissioned work. Paintings, Graphic images for flyers, posters, business cards, t-shirts, album covers and any other project you have in mind. Feel free to contact me.
510.485.2577
Visit me on www.bushmama.com
::Mediums::
I love live painting sessions. On canvas on faces either way I'm on high with a brush in my hands.
::: Afro Euphoria Series:::
II created this installation to affirm and celebrate freedom of sexuality for black people. Liberated brave souls shared their intimate selves to model freedom of sexual expression for those who are sexually oppressed. The boxes on the wall have collage photos inside Due to COVID-19 many will never see this installation in person, the space has been closed since the day the show opened.
I'm very proud of this body of work. It has sold the most, paid to use, published in a book, most sought after by agencies and small businesses. I still have a few of these left and once they are gone they will not be reprinted so acquire them while supplies last. Except the Water Melon Woman this piece was created for the 20 year anniversary of that film and was part of two exhibitions to honor Cheryl Dunye for her film work. I gave the original of this to her.
The Collectors Section: I'd like to publicly thank every person who has bought my work. Thank you for allowing me to create more.(these originals are sold)
Testimonials
"Love all the color." -- Teresa, Oakland, CA
"Her work speaks to my spirit." -- Laura, Florida
"This piece I bought reconnected me to my heritage" -- James, San Francisco
"It makes me so happy to see this work everyday in my home"-- Kourtney, New York
:::::Curating::::
I have been asked to curate art exhibits every month at The Living Room Project.
Its been wonderful to connect with so many artist. Its been an honor to display the work of so many bay area artist
My latest exhibits are:
Ayaba - Honoring the Black Goddess
Mixed Ingredients - Mixed Media and Collage works
AfroSexual: The Visual - Erotic Photos and Artwork from a Black Perspective
Black August - Black Activist Art Review and Presentation
Divine Sight - Photo documents of life. Featuring the images of Semba Love and Sasha Kelly
:::Exbibitions::
Virtual Exhibition on Facebook and Instagram/ Naturium: Optical Emergence with Forest Spirits 2020
Somarts Cultural Center/ Unbound Roots: A Paradigm of Intentional Healing 2020 - no view due to covid-19
SF LGBT Center/ Womens History Month Group Exhibition 2020 - no view due to covid-19
SF LGBT Center/ Black History Month Group Exhibition 2020
Modern Museum of the African Diaspora/ Don't Shoot: An Opus of the Opulence of Blackness - Spirit Opener 2020
African American Art & Culture Complex/ Weed The People - Spirit Opener
African American Art & Culture Complex/ Smoke and Mirrors: War on Drugs Group Exhibition 2019
Somarts Cultural Center/ 4Waves: 40 Performances for the Hole - Live Performer 2019
African American Art & Culture Complex/ *National Curatorial Debut* Black Woman is God - Tech Show 2019
Somarts Cultural
African American Art & Culture Complex/ Black Women Rock 2018
Somarts Cultural Center/ Ebony McKinney Memorial - Spirit Opener 2017
Somarts Cultural Center/ Night Light MultiMedia & Performance Festival - Performer
Somarts Cultural Center/ The Black Woman is God 2017 - Title Art-Exhibitor
Somarts Cultural Center/ Night Light MultiMedia Garden Party 2016
Somarts Cultural Center/ The Black Woman is God 2016 - Procession Leader-Exhibitor
Rosenblum Cellars / Featured Artist Solo Show 2016Oakland Terminal/We are One Badass Mutha Event 2016
Yoga Love - Oakland Studio/ Solo Exhibition 2015
The Living Room Project- Oakland Community space 2015 - 2016 (curated exhibitions and events)
- Black August Exhibition
- Ayabaa Group Exhibition
- Black Pride Exhibition
- AfroSexual :The Reader
- AfroSexual: The Visual
- AfroSexual: The Edible
- AfroSexual: The Touch
Lakeview Library Oakland/ Healer Woman Solo Exhibition 2014
African American Art & Culture Complex/ The Black Woman is God 2013
The Sacred Well Oakland/ Richard Wright Exhibition 2012
Famous Four Colors Gallery Oakland 2012
Omiiroo Gallery Oakland 2011
The Black Box Oakland/Oakland Box Theater 2002, 2003, 2004
Jack London Gallery/ First Public Exhibition with My mother Rose Goods 2004