's art blends , performance, and personal history to explore and . His work challenges norms around gender and sexuality, creating surreal digital worlds that reimagine black futures and celebrate queer desire.
Satterwhite's artistic process incorporates his mother's drawings, his own performances, and cutting-edge technology. By merging virtual and physical spaces, he creates immersive experiences that blur reality and fantasy, inviting viewers to question assumptions about identity and representation.
Jacolby Satterwhite's artistic background
Jacolby Satterwhite is an American artist known for his interdisciplinary approach to art, combining 3D animation, video, performance, and sculpture
His work explores themes of identity, queerness, and personal history, often drawing from his own experiences as a queer black man
Satterwhite's artistic practice is deeply rooted in his background and the influences that shaped his creative vision
Education and early influences
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Satterwhite received his BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2008 and his MFA from the University of Pennsylvania in 2010
During his education, he was exposed to various artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, and digital media, which laid the foundation for his interdisciplinary approach
Early influences include his mother, Patricia Satterwhite, who was an artist herself and created intricate drawings and diagrams that later became a significant source of inspiration for Satterwhite's work
Themes of queerness and identity
Satterwhite's work consistently explores themes of queerness and identity, often through the lens of his own experiences as a queer black man
He uses his art to challenge and subvert societal norms and expectations surrounding gender, sexuality, and race
By incorporating elements of his personal history and family archives, Satterwhite creates a unique narrative that reflects the complexities of queer identity and the intersection of various aspects of his identity
3D animation techniques
Jacolby Satterwhite employs a range of 3D animation techniques to create his distinctive digital works, which often feature surreal and fantastical environments populated by animated figures
These techniques allow him to create immersive and dynamic visual experiences that blur the lines between reality and fantasy
Digital modeling and sculpting
Satterwhite uses digital modeling software, such as Maya and ZBrush, to create 3D models of objects, characters, and environments
He often starts by sculpting basic forms and then refines them with intricate details and textures
This process allows him to create highly detailed and realistic 3D assets that serve as the building blocks for his animated works
Texturing and lighting
Once the 3D models are created, Satterwhite applies textures and materials to give them a sense of depth and realism
He uses various texturing techniques, such as UV mapping and procedural texturing, to create complex and detailed surface properties
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and atmosphere of Satterwhite's animated scenes, and he carefully adjusts the lighting to achieve the desired effect
Rigging and animation
To bring his 3D models to life, Satterwhite uses rigging techniques to create a virtual skeleton for each character, allowing them to be animated
He then animates the characters using keyframe animation, motion capture, or a combination of both
Satterwhite often incorporates dance and performance elements into his animations, drawing from his own background in dance and collaborating with performers to capture authentic movements
Satterwhite's 3D animated works
Jacolby Satterwhite's 3D animated works are characterized by their surreal and immersive qualities, often featuring complex narratives that explore themes of identity, desire, and personal history
His works have been exhibited in numerous galleries, museums, and festivals worldwide, garnering critical acclaim for their innovative use of technology and thought-provoking content
Reifying Desire series
The series (2011-2014) is a collection of six videos that explore the intersection of personal memory, fantasy, and queer desire
In these works, Satterwhite combines 3D animation with live-action footage and found objects, creating a dreamlike and often unsettling visual landscape
The series draws heavily from Satterwhite's mother's drawings, which he incorporates into the animated environments as a way of connecting his own experiences with his family history
En Plein Air series
The series (2016-2018) features a collection of installations that invite viewers to immerse themselves in Satterwhite's surreal and fantastical worlds
These works often feature Satterwhite's animated avatar performing dance and movement sequences within the virtual environments
The series explores themes of embodiment, performance, and the blurring of boundaries between physical and digital spaces
Blessed Avenue series
The series (2018-2019) is a collection of video works that continue Satterwhite's exploration of personal history, queerness, and the intersection of technology and identity
In these works, Satterwhite incorporates elements of his family's history, including his mother's struggles with mental illness and his own experiences growing up in a working-class black family
The series features intricate 3D animated environments that serve as a backdrop for Satterwhite's performances, which often involve dance and movement sequences
Incorporation of personal narratives
One of the defining features of Jacolby Satterwhite's work is the incorporation of personal narratives and autobiographical elements
By drawing from his own experiences and family history, Satterwhite creates a deeply personal and intimate body of work that resonates with viewers on an emotional level
Family history and archives
Satterwhite often incorporates elements of his family history into his work, particularly the artwork and writings of his mother, Patricia Satterwhite
Patricia Satterwhite, who struggled with mental illness throughout her life, created a vast archive of drawings, diagrams, and writings that served as a form of therapy and self-expression
Jacolby Satterwhite uses these materials as a source of inspiration and incorporates them into his 3D animated environments, creating a dialogue between his own experiences and his mother's creative output
Autobiographical elements
In addition to his family history, Satterwhite often draws from his own experiences as a queer black man in his work
He uses his art as a means of exploring and expressing his identity, including his sexuality, gender expression, and the challenges he has faced as a member of marginalized communities
By incorporating autobiographical elements into his work, Satterwhite creates a powerful and personal narrative that speaks to the experiences of queer and black individuals
Blurring reality and fantasy
Satterwhite's incorporation of personal narratives often involves a blurring of the lines between reality and fantasy
He creates surreal and fantastical environments that serve as a backdrop for his performances and animated sequences, which often draw from real-life experiences and emotions
This blurring of reality and fantasy allows Satterwhite to create a space where he can explore complex themes and ideas in a way that is both deeply personal and universally resonant
Afrofuturism in Satterwhite's art
Jacolby Satterwhite's work is often associated with the Afrofuturist movement, which combines science fiction, fantasy, and African diasporic culture to imagine alternative futures and realities for black people
Satterwhite's use of 3D animation and digital technologies, combined with his exploration of black identity and experience, places his work firmly within the Afrofuturist tradition
Reimagining black identity
Through his art, Satterwhite reimagines black identity in a way that challenges traditional representations and stereotypes
He creates fantastical and futuristic environments that serve as a space for black characters to exist and thrive, free from the constraints and limitations of contemporary society
By presenting alternative visions of black identity, Satterwhite encourages viewers to question and challenge their own assumptions and biases
Utopian and dystopian visions
Satterwhite's work often presents both of the future, reflecting the complex and often contradictory nature of the black experience
In some works, he creates idealized and harmonious environments that celebrate black creativity and resilience, while in others, he presents darker and more unsettling visions that reflect the ongoing struggles and challenges faced by black communities
This duality allows Satterwhite to explore the full range of possibilities for black futures, both positive and negative
Intersection of technology and race
Satterwhite's use of digital technologies, particularly 3D animation, plays a significant role in his exploration of the intersection between technology and race
By creating virtual environments and characters, Satterwhite is able to imagine new possibilities for black representation and identity that are not bound by the limitations of the physical world
At the same time, his work also interrogates the ways in which technology can be used to perpetuate and reinforce existing power structures and inequalities, particularly along racial lines
Queer themes and representation
Jacolby Satterwhite's work is deeply informed by his identity as a queer man, and his art consistently explores themes of gender, sexuality, and desire
Through his use of 3D animation and performance, Satterwhite creates a space for queer expression and representation that challenges traditional norms and expectations
Gender fluidity and expression
Satterwhite's characters often exhibit a fluidity and ambiguity of gender, blurring the lines between masculine and feminine traits
He uses his animated avatars to explore different modes of gender expression, from the hypermasculine to the feminine and everything in between
This fluidity reflects Satterwhite's own experiences as a queer individual and challenges viewers to question their assumptions about gender and identity
Sexual liberation and desire
Satterwhite's work often celebrates queer desire and sexuality, presenting it as a source of joy, pleasure, and liberation
His animated sequences frequently feature characters engaging in sensual and erotic acts, often in surreal and fantastical settings
By presenting queer desire in a positive and affirming light, Satterwhite pushes back against the shame and stigma that often surrounds non-normative sexualities
Challenging heteronormativity
Through his art, Satterwhite challenges the dominance of heteronormativity and the assumption that heterosexuality is the default or "natural" state of being
He creates worlds and characters that exist outside of traditional binary gender roles and heterosexual relationships, imagining new possibilities for love, desire, and connection
By presenting alternative visions of sexuality and relationships, Satterwhite encourages viewers to question and challenge their own assumptions and biases surrounding queer identities
Satterwhite's artistic process
Jacolby Satterwhite's artistic process is characterized by a unique blend of digital technology, performance, and personal history
He often combines 3D animation with live-action footage, found objects, and family archives to create complex and layered works that reflect his interdisciplinary approach
Collaboration with his mother
One of the key elements of Satterwhite's artistic process is his collaboration with his mother, Patricia Satterwhite
Patricia Satterwhite's drawings and writings serve as a major source of inspiration for Jacolby's work, and he often incorporates them directly into his 3D animated environments
By working with his mother's creative output, Satterwhite creates a dialogue between his own experiences and his family history, exploring themes of memory, identity, and intergenerational trauma
Integration of performance and dance
Performance and dance play a central role in Satterwhite's artistic practice, and he often incorporates live-action footage of himself and other performers into his animated works
He uses his own body as a tool for expression and storytelling, creating choreographed sequences that reflect his experiences and emotions
By integrating performance and dance into his digital works, Satterwhite creates a sense of physicality and embodiment that grounds his fantastical and surreal visions in the real world
Use of virtual and physical spaces
Satterwhite's work often blurs the boundaries between virtual and physical spaces, creating immersive environments that engage viewers on multiple levels
He uses 3D animation to create elaborate and detailed virtual worlds that serve as a backdrop for his performances and narratives
At the same time, he often incorporates physical elements, such as sculptures and installations, into his exhibitions, creating a dialogue between the digital and the tangible
By navigating between virtual and physical spaces, Satterwhite creates a unique and engaging experience for viewers that challenges traditional notions of art and technology
Critical reception and impact
Jacolby Satterwhite's work has been widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, and he has become a major figure in the contemporary art world
His innovative use of technology, combined with his deeply personal and politically engaged content, has made him a leading voice in the fields of digital art and Afrofuturism
Exhibitions and installations
Satterwhite's work has been exhibited in numerous galleries, museums, and festivals around the world, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the New Museum in New York
He has also created large-scale installations and public art projects, such as "We Are In Hell When We Hurt Each Other" (2020), a multimedia installation that explored themes of police brutality and racial injustice
Through his exhibitions and installations, Satterwhite has brought his unique vision and perspective to a wide audience, sparking conversations and debates about identity, technology, and social justice
Awards and recognition
Satterwhite has received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including the United States Artist Francie Bishop Good & David Horvitz Fellowship (2016) and the Creative Capital Award (2012)
He has also been featured in major publications, such as Art in America, Artforum, and The New York Times, cementing his status as a leading figure in the contemporary art world
This recognition has helped to bring attention to Satterwhite's work and the important themes and issues he explores, such as queerness, race, and the impact of technology on society
Influence on contemporary art
Satterwhite's work has had a significant influence on the field of contemporary art, particularly in the areas of digital art and Afrofuturism
His innovative use of 3D animation and his interdisciplinary approach have inspired a new generation of artists to experiment with technology and push the boundaries of traditional art forms
At the same time, his focus on personal narratives and social justice issues has helped to shift the conversation in the art world towards a more politically engaged and socially conscious practice
Through his work and his influence, Satterwhite has helped to shape the direction of contemporary art and has opened up new possibilities for artistic expression and activism
Key Terms to Review (20)
3D animation: 3D animation is a process of creating moving images in a three-dimensional digital environment, where objects can be manipulated and viewed from various angles. This technique enhances storytelling by providing depth and realism, allowing for more immersive experiences. It often involves modeling, rigging, animation, and rendering, making it a versatile tool in various fields such as film, video games, and virtual reality.
Afrofuturism: Afrofuturism is a cultural and artistic movement that combines elements of science fiction, history, and fantasy to reimagine the past, present, and future experiences of the African diaspora. It seeks to explore and redefine African identity and culture through futuristic narratives, often addressing themes of technology, race, and social justice. By incorporating African mythology and traditions with speculative futures, Afrofuturism provides a platform for marginalized voices to envision new possibilities.
Blessed avenue: Blessed Avenue is a significant concept within the realm of digital art and animation, particularly emphasizing the intersection of personal narrative and cultural identity. It embodies a space where artists express their experiences and reflections through innovative 3D animation techniques, allowing for a unique exploration of themes such as desire, community, and resilience in the context of queer representation.
Challenging heteronormativity: Challenging heteronormativity involves questioning and critiquing the societal norms that privilege heterosexual relationships and identities while marginalizing LGBTQ+ experiences. This term highlights how traditional narratives about gender and sexuality can be restrictive, promoting the idea that heterosexuality is the only valid orientation. It encourages diverse representations in art and culture, aiming to create space for alternative identities and relationships.
Digital installation: Digital installation refers to a form of contemporary art that utilizes digital technology to create immersive environments or experiences. This type of artwork can blend video, audio, and interactive components, inviting the audience to engage with the work in a multi-sensory way. Digital installations often explore themes of identity, memory, and the intersection of the physical and virtual worlds.
En plein air: En plein air is a French term meaning 'in the open air,' which refers to the practice of painting outdoors rather than in a studio. This method emphasizes capturing natural light, color, and atmosphere, allowing artists to engage directly with their surroundings and often resulting in vibrant, spontaneous artworks. The practice became particularly popular among Impressionist painters, who sought to depict the beauty of nature and everyday life through direct observation.
Gender fluidity: Gender fluidity refers to a gender identity that can change over time or depending on the situation, encompassing a spectrum of identities that may shift between traditional understandings of masculinity and femininity. This concept challenges binary notions of gender, allowing individuals to express themselves in ways that may not fit neatly into male or female categories, often embracing aspects of both or neither.
Intersectionality: Intersectionality is a framework that examines how various social identities, such as race, gender, sexuality, and class, intersect and interact to create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage. This concept helps to understand the complexity of social issues and the unique experiences of individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups.
Jacolby Satterwhite: Jacolby Satterwhite is an acclaimed contemporary artist known for his innovative use of 3D animation to explore themes of identity, sexuality, and personal narrative. His work combines digital technology with traditional art forms, creating immersive environments that challenge the viewer's perception of reality and self. Satterwhite's art often reflects his experiences as a queer Black man, utilizing vibrant visuals and intricate storytelling to convey complex emotions and social issues.
Post-internet art: Post-internet art is a movement that emerged in the late 2000s and early 2010s, characterized by the influence of the internet on artistic practices, aesthetics, and social interactions. It reflects how digital culture shapes our understanding of art, identity, and communication, often blurring the lines between online and offline experiences. This movement incorporates a variety of media, including video, installation, and performance art, highlighting themes like virtual identity, consumerism, and the impact of technology on human relationships.
Queer aesthetics: Queer aesthetics refers to artistic expressions and visual styles that challenge traditional norms around gender, sexuality, and identity. It embraces fluidity, subversion, and the exploration of marginalized perspectives, often through unconventional forms and narratives that highlight the complexities of queer experiences.
Queer british art 1861-1967: Queer British art from 1861 to 1967 refers to artistic expressions and movements in the UK that explored and represented LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and themes during a time of significant social, legal, and cultural change. This period encompasses the rise of the modernist movement, increased visibility for queer identities, and the impact of the Wolfenden Report in 1957 which recommended decriminalizing homosexual acts. Artists began to challenge conventional representations of gender and sexuality through various mediums, reflecting the complexities of queer identity and society.
Queer identity: Queer identity refers to a diverse range of identities and expressions that challenge traditional norms related to gender and sexuality. It encompasses various sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions that defy conventional categorization, promoting a more fluid understanding of self in relation to societal expectations. This term connects deeply with themes of intersectionality, representation, and personal narratives in the context of art and literature.
Queer theory: Queer theory is an academic field that emerged in the early 1990s, focusing on the study of gender and sexuality from a critical perspective. It challenges traditional norms and categories surrounding identity, emphasizing the fluidity of gender and sexual orientation. This approach connects to various forms of expression and activism, highlighting the importance of intersectionality in understanding the complexities of identity.
Reifying desire: Reifying desire refers to the process of transforming abstract desires into concrete forms or representations, often through artistic expression. This concept explores how personal and collective yearnings are visually articulated, allowing them to be understood, engaged with, and even critiqued in various mediums, including digital art and animation.
Sexual liberation: Sexual liberation refers to the movement towards freeing individuals from traditional societal norms and constraints surrounding sexual expression and identity. This concept advocates for the acceptance of diverse sexual orientations, practices, and identities, promoting personal autonomy over one's body and desires. The idea is rooted in the belief that sexual freedom is essential to overall human rights and self-expression, which connects deeply with various cultural and artistic explorations, particularly in contemporary art forms like 3D animation.
The Whitney Biennial: The Whitney Biennial is a prestigious contemporary art exhibition held every two years at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. It serves as a vital platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their work, often reflecting the current cultural and political climate in the United States. This exhibition has a history of highlighting diverse perspectives, including those from queer artists, and has become a barometer of contemporary art trends.
Transrepresentation: Transrepresentation refers to the portrayal and acknowledgment of transgender individuals and experiences in various forms of media and art, highlighting their identities, challenges, and contributions. This term emphasizes the importance of visibility and authenticity in representing transgender people, especially in contexts where they have historically been marginalized or misrepresented. Effective transrepresentation aims to challenge stereotypes, foster understanding, and promote acceptance of diverse gender identities.
Utopian and dystopian visions: Utopian and dystopian visions refer to idealized and nightmarish depictions of society, often exploring the potential outcomes of social, political, and technological changes. Utopian visions envision a perfect society where everything works harmoniously, while dystopian visions depict oppressive and chaotic worlds. Both concepts are used to critique current realities and imagine alternative futures, especially through artistic expressions like 3D animation.
Virtual reality: Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive technology that creates a simulated environment, allowing users to experience and interact with digital content as if they were in a real world. This technology leverages computer-generated images and sounds to provide a sense of presence, where users can engage with 3D spaces and scenarios. It plays a significant role in contemporary art, particularly in how artists explore identity, representation, and experience within digital realms.