bio
Sahara Clemons is a multimedia artist and designer born in Washington D.C and based in New York City.
Clemons revels in the fluidity of artistic mediums and interweaves painting, textiles, and dance in her creative process. Her work explores the intersection of race and gender and provides commentary on the socio-political forces that shape identity.
Her work has been shown at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Second Street Gallery, The Bridge Progressive Arts Institute, and McGuffey Art Center. Clemons is a YoungArts alumni and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Rhode Island School of Design.
statement
My work explores Black femininity, sensuality, and the liminality of young adulthood. I am curious about the intersubjectivity of identity formation, particularly in a time where reality is increasingly virtual. Through unapologetic and visual story-telling, my paintings depict a journey towards self-love and sexual awakening. Black women are often marginalized and considered disposable. By creating work that counters this narrative, I aim to highlight the complexity and divine feminine energy of Black women.
Memory, ancestral echoes, and the natural world inspire my work which blends the figurative and abstract. My pieces are emotional landscapes where subjects and backgrounds collide, creating texture, contrast, and space for interpretation. I invite viewers into a conversation about Black femininity as a portal to a more inclusive future that celebrates resilience and depth.