BBZ. BLK. BK. have interviewed Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley to coincide with the 2019 Alternative Graduate showcase.
Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley
Danielle’s work focusses on archiving black and trans experiences. Through sampling of images and sound landscapes created specifically for Black Trans bodies to exist in. They make a conscious choice about not recreating trauma but instead to focus on how to process it.
@ladydangfua
Pronouns: They/Them
Practice: Animator, Film & Soundscape artist
Location: London
How have cloud communities helped you?
I approach online quite cautiously as I am often reminded of trauma by what people share. Facebook is definitely more of a danger zone for me. Cloud communities have helped in terms of seeing other queer Black people’s lives and images they make. They remind me that people like me exist and are living. That’s enough most of the time.
How do you determine success?
To be honest I am a bit scared of success. I’m am not sure what being successful means for someone who identifies as Trans and Black. I think maybe if my friends and I have enough money to continue to produce work without having to enter toxic environments I would call that success. I probably link safety and wellbeing.
Tell us about a creative queer POC the world should be paying attention to.
Instead of one I’d rather make a list: Marikiscrycrycry, Shanice & Shenece Oretha.