Ayana Monét Cannon

BFA ’20 Photography

Ayana Cannon was born in Raleigh, NC and is currently stationed in Greenville, NC. She earned her BFA in Art at East Carolina University in 2020. Ayana is known to be an avid reader as well as a music enthusiast, often allowing these hobbies to inspire her photography. She uses digital media and combinations of various manipulation processes to produce her work, with topics which range from altered realities to social issues. Her art has been exhibited both locally and regionally.

Artist Statement
What does it mean to be black? Is it found in a name? In the way someone looks? Is it something that society gets to determine? Do I not look the part or sound the part? Being “black” is associated with many different stereotypes set in place by society and even our own people. There is plenty of discrimination and judgment faced in the world, so why should we be forced to face it in our own community as well? Growing up I was often told I wasn’t black, or somehow wasn’t black enough. As a child this was a very confusing concept and lead me to grow into an adult who didn’t have a sense of identity. This lack of identity is something that I struggled with until it finally hit me. I can’t afford to let other people try to determine who I am because I am beyond anyone’s definition. This is an exploration of myself through the combination of my personal clothing with artifacts and symbols of other cultures in order to connect myself with my roots, showcasing the black identity as a whole. I am black and I am valid. When you view my work you’re seeing me as I am, not how people say I should be.