Zainab Golden, a visionary artist and fashion stylist, has transformed the runway into a canvas for storytelling. Her work celebrates the essence of Black womanhood, challenging stereotypes and empowering individuals through the art of fashion. In this exclusive interview, we delve into her creative journey, the inspiration behind her groundbreaking exhibition, "Beyond the Mirror," and the profound impact she hopes to make.
Challenging Stereotypes: Zainab Goldenn's Use of Fashion as a Canvas to Tell the Story of the Black Woman.
Zainab Egbeyemi a.k.a Zainab Goldenn, founder and visionary of Zainik’s Studios. My passion for fashion was ignited in childhood, inspired by my mother’s sewing and enriched by my journey from Nigeria to Canada.
My work, including the documentary "Beyond the Mirror: The Personal Styles of Black Women," is a testament to my commitment to highlighting the unique and dynamic styles often overlooked in mainstream media.
How did you become an artist?
I was an artist before I even knew the meaning of the word. As a child, I loved experimenting with clothes and trying different styles. I used fashion to express my identity and emotions, finding comfort in it and connecting with others through my unique style. Fashion has always been my creative outlet.
Becoming an artist has been an ongoing journey of exploring my passions, embracing creativity, and striving to make a positive impact through my work. To me, fashion styling is an art form that tells meaningful stories through clothing and celebrates the diversity of human experience.
Can you share a particular moment or experience that significantly impacted your artistic journey?
One moment that significantly impacted my artistic journey was witnessing the joy and pride on models’ faces when I styled them for the 2018 Africa Fashion Show. Seeing how fashion can empower and celebrate individual identity reinforced my passion for using styling as a means of storytelling and empowerment. This experience reminded me of the profound impact art can have on individuals and communities, inspiring me to continue creating meaningful work that resonates with people on a personal level.
How do you decide your themes?
I've chosen to highlight black women and their unique styles, using fashion to tell meaningful stories and express individuality. This project also aims to address positive representation and inclusivity in mainstream media.
What inspired Beyond the Mirror?
When I think of mainstream black women celebrities promoted by the media, I realize they don't represent all black women. Often, these celebrities and influencers are highlighted in a negative light. Over the years, I've noticed a lack of positive representation of black women's fashion choices in mainstream media. I wanted to create an art project that showcased the diverse fashion styles of the everyday black woman, styles that often go unseen. This project was driven by my passion for fashion and storytelling, and my commitment to representation and inclusivity, aiming to give voice to the individual stories of black women's styles. This is what inspired Beyond the Mirror: The Personal Styles of Black Women.
What emotions or thoughts do you hope to evoke in viewers of your work?
I encourage the viewers to be open-minded and to feel whatever emotions come to them that day.
How do you feel about exhibiting your work? What does this exhibition mean to
you?
I have a range of emotions about exhibiting my work. On one hand, I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to bring my creative ideas to life and showcase the diversity of black women's styles, while hearing their stories about what influences their personal fashion choices. This exhibition marks a new chapter in my artistic journey, where I can present fashion styling as a true art form. On the other hand, it's a bit daunting because this will be my first time presenting something on such a large scale. I'm eager to see the reactions from viewers, whether positive or negative.
Are there any particular pieces in this exhibition that hold special significance to you and why?
The whole film holds special significance to me. It challenges stereotypes and celebrates the diversity of black women's experiences and expressions through style. Each model tells a story that is deeply meaningful and resonant through fashion, reflecting the core mission of my project to amplify voices.
What should our guests be most excited to see in your exhibition?
Besides the film that will be showcased, our guests should be most excited to see the photographs capturing the detailed fashion styles featured in the film. These photographs will offer a closer look at the stunning and diverse styles that celebrate the unique identities and stories of black women. They provide a visual narrative that complements the film, offering a deeper appreciation for the art and creativity behind each curated look.
What advice would you give aspiring artists?
I'm still early in my journey as an artist, so I'm continually seeking advice from fellow artists. However, I would say to aspiring artists: just create. You don’t have to have everything figured out from the beginning. Start by executing your creative ideas in small steps. Each step forward will contribute to the bigger picture. Trust the process, and your vision will gradually come together over time.
Lastly, How do you relate to the word "sis"?
Comfort! The word “sis” from black women brings me comfort.
Ọ̀KẸ́ is on a mission to unveil cultural riches, showcasing our similarities and experiences in each exhibition. Find out more about Hey Sis...
Hey Sis... is supported by STACKT and RADRCanada.
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