Christian Noelle Charles

Growing up in the dance world, it was necessary for me to be aware of my body. However, having always been a black woman in dance, I had to develop a double awareness. The work--which centers around black female identities, bodies, body language and self-worth-- is informed by this double awareness. I use the influence of modern pop culture to create art that considers and questions what it means to be a woman of color in the world.

Mindful of the impact of politics at this moment and moving forward, I wish to consciously observe how place and the current zeitgeist will constitute my own identity and black female identities. In the aftermath of Brexit and the emerging age of Trump, I am interested in how my personal observations will influence my work. The whole idea of narcissism has had many meanings and connotations, however, in this era especially, I believe that those meanings have expanded, with the help of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, #ageoftheselfie. With these platforms, there has been a constant demand to share our identities and our self-worth. I consider to be an open vessel in my work and ask the question of what place does 'self-love'have in this political climate and institutional structure. I want to shape new work around these kinds of questions.

I fall in love with myself, and I want someone to share it with me. I want someone to share me with me
- Eartha Kitt The quote I will never forget


Residencies