Raven Black

Born in Chicago, Illinois. Interests are in the Arts and Science. Involved in Performance Art as well as Music.Through the experience of both Arts and Science the work is deeply rooted in the like-minded tradition of the past and present in contemporary Art. The work speaks for our time...straightforward storytelling and hard hitting symbols are the game. In this recent series of work entitled "In, Out or Around the Box called Love...What is your Preference?", the examination of sexual exploitation, fetishes, compulsive eroticism and sexual stereotyping is investigated within the underbelly of our culture, utilizing satire and humor to set the stage. If you investigate sexual desire, which is to investigate the basis of human sexuality, from the womb to the first touch of the flesh, our experiences, surroundings and culture mold the foundation in which we interact. The dichotomy lies in the fact that society and our culture prey upon that human need through manipulative messages and an array of techniques. Hence, "In, Out or Around the Box called Love...What is your Preference?", what is normal, what is not? The work points no fingers nor makes no stand, it allows the viewer to interpret their own conclusion. It is merely a visual ...

Studied at Northern Illinois University, BFA, MFA. The past work has been exhibited in New York at Allan Stone and Frank Marino Galleries, Robert Kidd Gallery in Birmingham, Michigan, N.A.M.E. Gallery in Chicago, The Contemporary of Art, The Art Institute of Chicago, Springfield, Illinois State Museum, The Wright Art Center, Beloit, Wisconsin and others.,