Simone Leigh is the artist I dubbed the matron of figurative ceramics works that tell a unique story. I learned about Simone Leigh while pursuing my undergraduate degree at Pratt Institute. My professor of a ceramics class I took had immense gratitude for Leigh. I soon found out why. Simone's work is primarily figurative and often calls out the history of marginalization that continues to affect the state of black women. Her work centers on the unique experience of black women and encourages the audience to challenge their perceived perception of a black woman. She draws inspiration from the African diaspora, African history, black feminism, and more. She is establishing a space for black women to be seen and heard. Her work celebrates the life of black women. She does not shy away from her creations. 

Ms. Leigh’s work often applies to so many different narratives; it is up to the viewer to decipher what is being said. Her work combines art materials and techniques—such as “lost-wax casting, salt-fired ceramics, and terracotta—with potent cultural iconographies such as cowrie shells, plantains, and tobacco leaves” (Guggenheim. “Simone Leigh.” Retrieved from ”https://www.guggenheim.org/artwork/artist/simone-leigh). Often, her figures are given very few indications to elude to the fact that it is a person’s face. Her figures don't have a distinctive face because they are stand-ins for black women; it does not pinpoint a specific individual but hints at black women as a collective. Ms. Leigh's sculptures are a big inspiration for the black dolls I am working on creating. I often look to her work when lost or unsure about what the next step should be for me in my sculpture. One of my favorite sculptures of hers is “Jug,” which depicts a figure whose lower half transforms into the shape of a jug. I was pleased to see this in person at her exhibition at the Guggenheim. As a black woman, I thought she was referring to pouring from a half-full cup. How can you pour into another if you have not poured into yourself first? Often, black women give and give so much of themselves to others, and even though we feel depleted, we continue to push forward, but we must remember to take care of ourselves in that process, and it is ok to sometimes say no to things. 

Sited works links

https://www.guggenheim.org/artwork/artist/simone-leigh