Artist's Statement...
I feel that Black America suffers a great loss. With all of today's liberated attitudes towards sexuality we often have to depend on the interpretation of Black sexuality with an explicitly commercial, or worse, an unintelligent and insensitive portrayal of such.
Blackberries exceeds any pure aesthetic constructs, because like every aspect of Black America, there is no separation between our art, our music, our sexuality and the historic and cultural dynamics that lie at the base of our existence. Therefore, when I look at these images I see the power of great ancient African civilizations. I see a release from 400 hundred years of oppression. I see a blossoming future. As an African American, I feel that the full beauty of our flower is yet to be realized.
I hope that this humble attempt to articulate Black sexuality inspires your passions and stimulates your intellect, for should this happen, everyday of your life is going to be sunny. -- Ed Silvera
