Art & Activism: How are BIPOC Artists Shaking Things Up?

One of Eighth Generation's core values is representation. As an arts-centric company, we have a mission to bring authentic, cultural art to the global economy. We want to see a market that reflects the diversity of its consumers. Likewise, we want ourselves and our communities to be able to identify with artists and businesses.

Our team is inspired by the success of artists and entrepreneurs engaged in activism, so Eighth Generation staff came together to use our platform to share a handful of Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) artists based all over! From industries like tattoo and body modification, fashion, jewelry, visual art and social justice, these are artists you want on your radar.

Doreen Garner

We can’t say enough about the work of Brooklyn, New York based artist, Doreen Garner (she/her/king). Best known for her tattooing and sculpting, Garner is creating opportunities and safe spaces for black and brown people to be tattooed by black artists. She is also sculpting the truth around trauma in her cringeworthy pieces, intended to leave the audience shook, uncomfortable and even unsure of what to feel. Her work addresses racism and inequalities in the tattoo industry as well as the ugly truth of racial oppression and torture of black people in America. Listen and watch her story “Doreen Garner Sculpts Our Trauma” here.

Jacob V Joyce

Jacob V Joyce (they/them) is an artist, illustrator, musician and activist from London, United Kingdom, who creates beautiful art and educates at the same time. Joyce is devoted to decolonizing narratives while also amplifying new, queer narratives. They use their many art forms – afro-futurist world building workshops, mural painting, comic books and performance art – to highlight injustice and empower folks who are queer, black, Indigenous and people of color. To learn more about Joyce's art, workshops and activism, check our their Instagram page!

Paige Pettibon

Visual artist and entrepreneur Paige Pettibone (she/her) is a Salish (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes), Black and white local artist we adore. Based in Tacoma, Washington, Pettibone primarily focuses on acrylic painting. Her artwork also includes graphic design, beadwork, jewelry making, sewing, embroidery and more. Pettibone's work is influenced by her native northwest community, traditions and the Lushootseed language. Visit her jewelry page and art page to see the full scope of her work!

Gossamer Rozen

From handpoked tattooing to advocacy, we love Gossamer Rozen’s (they/them and she/her) work. Based out of Brooklyn, New York, Rozen is a Filipino/African American artist whose work spans from game design, weaving, sewing, woodcarving, tattooing, doll making and more. Rozen is also an editor for the tattoo hub TTTISM where they elevate Black, Indigenous, people of color and LGBTQIA+ voices while addressing systemic racism and colorism in the tattoo industry. Check out Rozen's tattoo page and fine art page!

Chetna Mehta

Based in Denver, Colorado, Chetna (she/her) is a compassionate artist and educator we admire. Her art expresses and studies themes like emotional intelligence, self-empowerment and embodiment. With a Master's in Counseling Psychology, Chetna has taught multigenerational and multicultural individuals in creative healing workshops across the nation. Visit Chetna's pages – The Mosaiceye – on her website or Instagram for free online classes, art to print, shopping and information on gatherings, consultations and events!

If you're looking for more BIPOC artists to support, Black Artist Space is a great resource followed by our staff. Black Artist Space Instagram features visual art by Black artists, and all the ads are Black-owned!