Najee H.F.

The work here are still images from an ongoing ritual accumulation performance. The artist considers it a physical expression of the rage of her ancestors in confrontation with the inherited biases and potential for violence in the progeny of their oppressors (her white peers). By ritualistically slapping them across the face, she is attempting to create a moment of racial catharsis; each slap is a small and incomplete exorcism akin to one ‘Hail Mary’ for a century of sins.

 

A photo blurred by movement of a Black hand slapping the face of a white woman with brown hair and short bangs and yellow/green shirt from the point of view of the Black person.
Najee H.F., Out, Demon! No. 4

 

A photo blurred by movement of a Black hand slapping the face of a white man with a beard and short light brown hair and tan sweater from the point of view of the Black person.
Najee H.F., Out, Demon! No. 5

 

A photo blurred by movement of a Black arm reaching out three quarters of the way into the frame to slap a white person with long brown and blonde hair pulled back into a bun, wearing an orange shirt.
Najee H.F., Out, Demon! No. 9