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Art. Endia Beal Captures Young Black Women Struggling With the Transition From an Academic Setting to a Corporate Job.

Endia Beal, Am I What You’re Looking For?, Black Women Art, Black Women Photography

Endia Beal is an artist, fine art photographer, activist, and educator, who lives and works in North Carolina. She is best known for her portrait series, “Can I Touch It,” which depicts white women in corporate settings sporting traditionally black hairstyles.

Much of her work features the perspectives of people from traditionally marginalized groups, in a variety of settings.

In her latest series, “Am I What You’re Looking For?,” Beal features a group of young black women, ranging from ages 18-26, talking about her struggles and concerns as they prepare to enter corporate job settings. Each of the women is photographed in the house that they grew up in, against a photo backdrop that depicts a “typical” office. The juxtaposition between both the real and imagined settings creates a unique contrast. Beal revealed, to The New York Times, that the young women are wearing the outfit that they would most likely wear to an interview. Each photograph is accompanied with a personal statement from them. Some express uncertainty; other experience confidence and defiance in the face of exclusion and adversity.

Beal tells The New York Times,

I am interested in the stories of the invisible, the stories we haven’t heard yet. The new series, “Am I What You’re Looking For?,” explores those new stories, those individuals that don’t necessarily get a chance to vocalize all of their feelings, and all of their emotions, and what they’re going through. The work that I create does not necessarily answer questions; the work that I create poses questions, “What if?” What if my subjects Sabrina and Katrina (Slide 2) came into your office space and this is how they looked? What if Jayia wore her dress that is white and you saw the tattoo on her hand? How would you deal with that? Knowing that you may be making a decision based on how she looks and not what’s on her résumé.

Most of my work does just that, it poses those questions. It forces the viewer to think: to think about being young, to think about being ambitious, to think about the idea of having to be exactly who you want to be in this kind of muted space, in this long hallway that you have to walk.

Endia Beal, Am I What You’re Looking For?, Black Women Art, Black Women Photography

“I perceive the corporate space as one unwelcoming to ‘self’ and entirely engrossed with the ‘normal’ that makes me uncomfortable.” — Kiara, 26. Connecticut.”

Endia Beal, Am I What You’re Looking For?, Black Women Art, Black Women Photography

“Corporate America is intimidating, but my hope to succeed allows it to also be promising. I feel like I will have to fight twice as hard to exceed my competition for respect and wage.” — Sabrina, 23, Arkansas.

“I join the band of minority women in corporate America as a faceless heroine. I believe corporate has lost its servitude for humanity and I feel obligated to supply it. I noticed that big-name corporations are making an effort to equal the playing field by hiring minority and female leaders … but it’s an indication that there are highly skilled players on the bench ready to be called into play.” — Katrina, seated, 23, Arkansas.

Endia Beal, Am I What You’re Looking For?, Black Women Art, Black Women Photography

“I don’t see myself in the corporate space. I see myself in a more open environment where you are free to express your creativity and ideas with others.” — Aja, 19, North Carolina.

Endia Beal, Am I What You’re Looking For?, Black Women Art, Black Women Photography

“Statistics show that only 5 percent of professional roles in corporate America are held by African-American women. As a Howard University student majoring in marketing, I must remain enthusiastic and optimistic about my future as a corporate leader.” — Alexus, 19, North Carolina.

Endia Beal, Am I What You’re Looking For?, Black Women Art, Black Women Photography

“Corporate America is a monochromatic, male-dominated society that could benefit from a woman’s mindful, rational and masterful touch.” — Jazmyne, 21, North Carolina.

Read more at The New York Times.

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