Vanessa German on Art, Blackness, and Healing in America
Vanessa German, born in Milwaukee in 1976, is an artist who confronts themes of violence and oppression through her empowering figures, which serve as a source of liberation for her as a gay Black woman. Her Art House, located in Pittsburgh's Homewood, was damaged by a fire in February 2021 and is currently being restored through a fundraising initiative. German incorporates found objects into her artwork, including six pieces created during a period of suicidal thoughts that aided her in overcoming despair. She critiques the narratives that blame her community for violence while ignoring systemic poverty, highlighting the Art House's mission centered on love and sharing. Additionally, German examines the emotional labor of the Black female body, calls for generational change in museum leadership, and perceives Black Lives Matter as a significant gift to America. This interview was conducted by Maurita Cardone for Artribune.
Key facts
- Vanessa German was born in Milwaukee in 1976.
- Her power figures are fetishes that liberate her as a gay Black woman artist.
- Her home in Homewood, Pittsburgh became the Art House, a creative community hub.
- A fire severely damaged the Art House in February 2021.
- A fundraising campaign is underway to restore the Art House.
- German collected rusty nails for her work, later learning they echo Congolese and Geechee traditions.
- She created six objects during a six-month suicidal period, which freed her from despair.
- German criticizes systemic poverty and violence, not blaming her neighborhood.
- She defines the Art House as born from sharing and love, not trauma response.
- Her work focuses on the Black female body and its secret emotional and spiritual labor.
- She believes art has curative power, citing scientific effects of making art.
- German calls for generational change in museum leadership to address white supremacy.
- She views Black Lives Matter as a gift offering freedom and reckoning to America.
- The interview was conducted by Maurita Cardone for Artribune.
Entities
Artists
- Vanessa German
- Maurita Cardone
Institutions
- Artribune
- Associated Artists of Pittsburgh
- Pavel Zoubok Fine Art
- Concept Art Gallery
Locations
- Milwaukee
- United States
- Homewood
- Pittsburgh
- New York
- Congo
- Louisiana