“Gold Was Made Fa’ Her is an ode to Black hood women in the South— a visual poem that depicts the true meaning of wealth being found in the lived experiences of Black women. The documentation of these women in the landscape of their homes explores the ability to transform personal space into an altar that enshrines memory. Bria’s photography honors the power to reclaim sovereignty within a sense of one’s belonging and connection to the land. Rooted in the intention to normalize glory in the everyday expressions of Black women, this body of work is a tribute to her own mother, Mama Peaches, whose sacrifices laid the foundation of pride and healing within Bria’s upbringing in 3rd Ward.
Gold in this context becomes a metaphor for being resourceful and claiming ownership of home as a place of safety and acceptance. The spirit of this work calls out to the women who buy their gold from King’s Flea Market, wearing it as armor of protection and statement of their value. For the matriarchs who carried families on their backs, using the book of Psalms as a reminder that trouble don’t last always. These women transmute suffering into survival, pain into prosperity, and lack into sustainability. Roses will forever bloom in honor of their narratives.”
Forthcoming Essay by Danielle Mason
Gold Was Made Fa’ Her was organized by Bria Lauren and Rebecca Matalon, Curator, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
This exhibition was made possible with the support from The Idea Fund and funded in part by The City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance