Artist Statement from BlackPowerBarbie

I was given a lot of creative control in making these pieces, and I took it as an opportunity to make a cohesive body of work that speaks to where I’m at as an artist now. It’s bittersweet, but a lot of what I’ve made in the past 3 years hasn’t been for myself, and I haven't been able to play in my imagination as much as I’ve wanted to. In creating these pieces I was returning to myself and the kind of work that has allowed me to realize who I am as a person and artist. That being said, this project was really about joy and freedom for me. I wanted the works to be rich, colourful, fun and sexy. I wanted to push myself in the kinds of scenes I create and illustrative techniques I use. Much of my work is character based and I always find immense purpose in using that to create reflections of my community (queer people of color) and our vibrant styles and identities. This is a fun, playful homage to our beauty, cultural texture and individuality.

Who are you and where are you from?

I’m BlackPowerBarbie, aka Amika Cooper. I was born in NY, raised in Toronto and I am of Trinidadian and Guyanese heritage.

As an artist, have you seen any shifts in the industry when it comes to representation?

Definitely, for better or worse it’s become more of a social value to at least give off the idea that you care about people who have been marginalized. So that’s been getting us through the door and creating more opportunities to be seen. I’m really cynical about the motives that gatekeepers still have in general, but I love seeing people I’m in community  being given a chance to thrive by just being who we are.

 What brought you to the BULLY world?

My community! I think we’ve all grown together and that’s why I love being from a small “big city”. Even before I was even known for being an artist the way I am now, I was always supported for being myself and each endeavour of mine has been met with love and support by Bobby and I feel honored to be in such great company with the BULLY team and collaborators.

What does BlackPowerBarbie mean to you?

Honestly, it started off as an Instagram handle before I even started sharing my art online. I think it speaks to a part of my personality that enjoys questioning the status quo, empowers Black people and black queer femmes especially. As a dark skinned black woman who has struggled with fitting in and understanding or embracing my femininity, calling myself by this name has created a safe space for me to explore and own what it means to be “Barbie” in my own way.

Do you have any advice for any young up & coming black illustrators / animators wanting to pave a way for themselves in the industry?

The best advice I got was from my friend G “create, share, repeat”. Keep doing you, never play yourself small and share the work that is important to you. Find ways to make the work you're passionate about, be in service to your community whether it’s making flyers, music videos, party visuals, anything. You’ll grow with that community. Also take time. I like to say time is art's best friend, so don’t rush the process… keep your head up, work hard and stay the course. You are your own biggest resource of ideas and no one can ever take that away from you, and when you are  true to yourself and your goals the community and opportunities will build up around you.