Mimi

Artist Jessica Bell.

Mimi, named after the affectionate term for "grandmother," is a series of 100 small prints arranged to resemble a quilt—an enduring symbol in African American history, storytelling, and resilience. The imagery features a blue American flag with stripes that take on the texture of wood, evoking themes of endurance, labor, and structural foundation. At the center a strong black figure with exaggerated red lips, directly confronting the painful legacy of blackface and the persistent stereotypes imposed on African Americans. Through this piece, Mimi weaves together personal and collective histories, inviting reflection on heritage, identity, and the visual language of race in America.