The selfie is the modern day self-portrait. Despite being derided as narcissistic, silly and stupid, the front-facing camera is the new medium for self expression. The Art Hoe movement proves this, as people of color have taken to posting creative pictures of themselves on websites like Tumblr and Instagram. Whether posing in front of masterpieces or behind wavy lines, those from marginalized groups are discovering a novel way to exist outside of stereotypes.
“Art-Hoeism” is the brainchild of Mars and Jam, young black artists challenging preconceived notions of race and gender. In an interview with Dazed & Confused Magazine, Mars explained that “there is a myriad of stereotypes pertaining to [people of color]. How black people can’t be delicate, how Latinx are no good but for cleaning and having a smart mouth…” Additionally, they also spoke about how “non binary people of color don’t really have a stable platform where they can prove and show what they’re capable of without being questioned about their identity.”
Moreover, the use of the term “hoe” serves as a clever means to try and disband the power it’s held to belittle black women. As one cofounder said, “We’re taking a word that has been used to reduce, ridicule and oppress us and saying, ‘It’s ours now, we determine how you see us and how you consume us.’”
With this movement, those pushed to the fringes of society can finally take control of how they’re portrayed. Instead of being defined by those in power, they can properly represent themselves using the art of the selfie. Antiquated social norms have spoonfed racial minorities, nonbinary people and the LGBT community harmful ideas: that they’re not smart enough, talented enough, beautiful enough. For centuries their worth as human beings has been measured by whiteness, heteronormativity or the strict gender binary. Finally there’s a chance to fight back.
But like many trends founded by POC, white people are starting to co-opt this campaign. If you look up the term “Art Hoe” on Tumblr, you’ll find photo upon photo of thin, white girls with Kanken backpacks and expensive polaroid cameras. They romp around museums and decorative houseplants while proudly calling themselves “Art Hoes”, adding to the erasure underrepresented people already face.
In fact, the backlash against Mars when they highlighted this appropriation shows why this movement is so desperately needed. As they told the Guardian, “People tried to use the ‘angry black person’ stereotype when I called them out on it; telling me it wasn’t a big deal. But it felt like a big deal. People of color are often denied artistic ability, or the things we birth into the world are stolen by white counterparts. I never intended Art Hoe to be that way.”
As a young black woman, having a creative outlet that celebrates my beauty is critical. When you’re raised in a society that constantly tells you that you’re ugly, you start to believe it. With the creation of this movement, I and every single person that has been demeaned by a lack of positive representation can assert ourselves. And to the white girls gallivanting about in their Doc Martins and expensive backpacks: ain’t nothing wrong with your aesthetics, but you are most definitely not “Art Hoes.”
Follow the Art Hoe Collective on Instagram and Tumblr
