Artist Statement

Kenya Moffett-Garner, also recognized as Kenya Cree, emerges as a ceramic sculptor and visionary storyteller. Her artistic narrative unfolds within "The Space In-between," employing the dynamic medium of clay to sculpt unconventional stories that elevate the visibility of the Black Diaspora and delve into the nuanced fragility of Black life. Drawing her influences from African artifacts, specifically west African Benin bronze sculptures, and recreating them in modern form. Kenya's innovative approach challenges the bounds of ceramic materiality. Her academic foundation includes a 2020 BFA from Governor State University, complemented by ceramic residency at Saint Heron, with works now featured in the private collection. Kenya has been featured in CBS Chicago's Black History Month Artist Series (2023), and Expo Chicago 2024 as a featured artist with the Museum of Science and Industry's Black Creativity Exhibition. 

"My art practice is centered on creating a deep connection with my work while simultaneously exploring themes and concepts that are authentic to my personal story. My artistic practice involves creating a space of hyper-visibility for Black Diaspora identity while exploring the themes of fragile Black life. Equally, these experiences matter to me and aid in my inspiration to create work that visualizes my perspective as a Black queer woman, while using my identity as a vessel to communicate. This process involves making discoveries in everyday life that have led me to push the boundaries of Black resilience, clay's materiality and sustainability.”