Dweller [Part 2] I wrote this in 2024 and it was published in @cultclassicmag (R.I.P.), and it’s still relevant.
“The dance floor is a spiritual space that has allowed us to remember and preserve our roots - to move with our ancestors and the ancestors of others. Like an altar, the bass, the sound, and the foundation of the dance floor present us with questions: It asks us who we want to be. What does it mean to be free (in the moment)? And what does it mean to feel and BE the spirit, the reflection, an answer? It’s beautiful when you aren’t familiar with people: you dance with them for five hours and take care of each other, and that moment holds a memory between you and those you won’t ever forget. Dweller reminds me of the history of care methods created by Black people, especially Black women, trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive folks, and the importance of continuing this consideration. The sound welcomes my body to heal and exercise what it means to confront myself as the world around us continues to create violent laws prohibiting us from being who we are: sacred gifts.”
Thanks to my Dweller crew, all the venues and nightlife workers. I also appreciate the videographers and photographers contributing to this growing archive. Congratulations to the artists and curators, and thank you to everyone who attended.
@bossanovacivicclub , @paragonbroadway , @performance.space.new.york , @publicrecordsnyc , @hoodraveintl
🌪️🧿🤲🏾🥥
At the beginning of April, I visited the Art Gallery of Ontario to dismantle my altar for The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century exhibition, which has been traveling for two years. During this time, I’ve built altars in three local cities and two different countries. I also experienced the loss of both my paternal and maternal grandmothers, my aunt, as well as some peers and friends. The grief continues to accompany me. However, I am thankful for this practice and vessel that have kept me grounded, connecting me to my ancestors, optimism, and hope.
I would like to express my gratitude to @dearmsboogie for trusting me to bring her image around the world. I also want to thank the practitioners and friends who have supported me throughout this journey. It has brought me closer to my purpose. Ase.
With so much change happening, I’ve been finding my way traveling to the South, which has been a beautiful experience. As a first-generation West Indian/Caribbean individual, the South feels like a balm at this moment.
The industry is always shifting, and while I remain available for editorial and commercial work, I am also eager to engage in more community-oriented projects world-wide. Many people assume I am “busy,” but that is not always the case. I would love to participate in projects that allow me to connect more with the community, including set work, etc. I’m open to all! Please feel free to reach out to me; my email is available on my profile and website. I kindly ask that you refrain from sending work-related DMs.
Otherwise, here are some moments within the last few months that put a smile on my face. IG finally has allowed me to post more than 10 photos. 😂 I’m always chasing a smile, joy, a good hug, and a moment on the dancefloor. Love lives here. 🥥🪞🤍🕊️
On Thursday, Feb 20th, I will be in Austin, Texas, for a two-day symposium titled “Toward Transcendence: A Symposium on Black Queer Ecstatic Art.” This event is curated by Dr. Phillip Townsend and organized by the Art Galleries at Black Studies. I am excited to deliver a keynote address alongside Lola Flash, followed by a conversation with Dr. Townsend. It is a pleasure to be part of this exhibition!
If you would like to attend, you can sign up using the link in my Instagram profile. The event will be hybrid, and accessibility information is available on the website.
Image: Dancing on All Silent Memories, 2024
#Sponsored —
“As a dark-skinned Black trans woman from the South, I have encountered many challenges that have limited my access to resources and support. However, I have persevered, allowing my artistry to blossom in the face of adversity. Looking ahead, I desire to deepen my journey and forge meaningful connections across the globe through the power of music and performance.”
“Atlanta’s Hidden Gem” unfolds a vibrant collaboration between visual narrator Texas Isaiah, from Brooklyn, NY, and the dynamic JayBella Banks, a multi-disciplinary talent hailing from the heart of Atlanta, Georgia.
Created on Google #pixel9 Pro XL
@teampixel #teampixel
#Sponsored — “Atlanta’s Hidden Gem” unfolds a vibrant collaboration between the visionary artist Texas Isaiah and the dynamic JayBella Banks, a multi-disciplinary talent hailing from the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. This project beautifully showcases JayBella in a series of striking photographs in diverse environments and fashion choices that echo her multifaceted artistry as a performer, showgirl, and DJ. Each image reflects not just her individuality, but also the rich tapestry of her musical and dance practices.
Atlanta, a city bursting with creativity, has been a nurturing ground for outstanding talent for decades. Drawing inspiration from iconic figures like Outkast, who revolutionized the hip-hop scene in the early ‘90s, along with others like Gucci Mane, Ciara, and the Ying Yang Twins, JayBella stands as a contemporary testament to the enduring influence of the city’s artistic legacy.
“As a dark-skinned Black trans woman from the South, I have encountered many challenges that have limited my access to resources and support. However, I have persevered, allowing my artistry to blossom in the face of adversity. Looking ahead, I desire to deepen my journey and forge meaningful connections across the globe through the power of music and performance.”
Sitter: @jaybellabanks
Body paint in first 3 images by @artitus13
Created on Google #Pixel9 Pro XL
@teampixel #TeamPixel
*** forever thanks to @ava & @stevenchaiken 🌹
My maternal grandmother, my last living grandparent, passed away in the middle of September, a year after my paternal grandmother and auntie passed away last year. I’ve been grieving and creating space for more grief that may arrive.
However, more often, I recognize the sweetness I intentionally hold and center in my life. Most days, I don’t know what to say or how to articulate all of this loss. But I am grateful for this open heart, peers/friendship, and deep, passionate love. Thanks to everyone who was a part of the end of this sweet summer.
Love and deep praise to my ancestors who continue to love and guide me into what it can mean to be a better person and ancestor 🥥🤍🤲🏾
![Dweller [Part 2] I wrote this in 2024 and it was published in @cultclassicmag (R.I.P.), and it’s still relevant.“The dance floor is a spiritual space that has allowed us to remember and preserve our roots - to move with our ancestors and the ancestors of others. Like an altar, the bass, the sound, and the foundation of the dance floor present us with questions: It asks us who we want to be. What does it mean to be free (in the moment)? And what does it mean to feel and BE the spirit, the reflection, an answer? It’s beautiful when you aren’t familiar with people: you dance with them for five hours and take care of each other, and that moment holds a memory between you and those you won’t ever forget. Dweller reminds me of the history of care methods created by Black people, especially Black women, trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive folks, and the importance of continuing this consideration. The sound welcomes my body to heal and exercise what it means to confront myself as the world around us continues to create violent laws prohibiting us from being who we are: sacred gifts.”Thanks to my Dweller crew, all the venues and nightlife workers. I also appreciate the videographers and photographers contributing to this growing archive. Congratulations to the artists and curators, and thank you to everyone who attended.@bossanovacivicclub, @paragonbroadway, @performance.space.new.york, @publicrecordsnyc, @hoodraveintl ️](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6739525428252941331332_0_f5c86a51560abe4cef0344c205547c9e.jpg?o=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&h=9ad87be617e5be86f46dc8b853b03287)
![Dweller [Part 1] I don’t have much to say except I poured everything I had into Dweller this year.18 events in 8/9 days.I’m always grateful to be at service to my hometown & for all the beautiful and nourishing ideas that continue to expand there.Thank you to my Dweller fam: @frankiefatgold, @negrolith, @christoferluis_, @1201.am, @enyo_face. A special thank you to @asanniarmon, @daseha.mp3, @niallllain, and @efemermusic for your care.Thanks to all the venues and nightlife workers — a special shout out to one of my fave New Yorkers, @maxwellvice Appreciation to the videographers and photographers contributing to this expanding archive. Congratulations to the artists and curators, and gratitude to all who attended.@bossanovacivicclub, @paragonbroadway, @nowadaysnyc, @performance.space.new.york, @publicrecordsnyc, @pioneerworks, @hoodraveintl ️](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6747363750561041211911_0_832b68071d79b0c2740e92cbc102dd4e.jpg?o=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&h=05cde7285dd9827a4f151ed70a5b4b01)
